“Artifishal” will be released in Puerto Madryn to keep warning people about the risks of salmon farming

The B-Corp Patagonia, the Forum for the Conservation of the Patagonian Sea, the Whale Conservation Institute and the National University of Patagonia San Juan Bosco invite all people in Puerto Madryn to the premiere of the documentary “Artifishal”, where different researchers will talk about the serious and irreversible risks and impacts of the salmon farming industry on the environment, the community and the economy.

After 25 years of selling hatchery salmon in his restaurants, chef Francis Mallmann decided to ban it in order to protect populations of wild fish. At 63, he said that “it is never too late to learn and start over” and joined the struggle of the Argentine Fuegians to say #NoToSalmonFarming. On Thursday 29th, the city of Puerto Madryn (Chubut, Argentina) will be the next stop of this movement against salmon farms.

The clothing company Patagonia, the Forum for the Conservation of the Patagonian Sea, the Whale Conservation Institute and the National University of Patagonia San Juan Bosco invite to the premiere of the documentary “Artifishal”, a film that explores how fish hatcheries pose a threat for native species and contribute to the disappearance of wild salmon, contrary to what was initially believed. The film, produced by Patagonia, tells the story of communities against salmon farming in other parts of the world, and the damage that this industry has caused to the ecosystem.

At the end of the movie, local researchers will lead a discussion about the threats that the salmon industry represents for coastal-marine environments and the associated economies and communities:

1. The escape of salmonids, which would result in the introduction of exotic species, from culture cages into the natural environment.
2. The abuse of antibiotics, antiparasitics and other chemical substances.
3. The introduction and spread of diseases and their causative agents.
4. The accumulation of solid and liquid wastes on the seafloor, derived from uneaten food, feces and mortality of salmonids.
5. The industrial waste that companies produce (abandoned cages, plastics, buoys, ropes, etc.).
6. Pressure on wild species fisheries, which provide fish used to produce fishmeal and fish oil to feed salmonids.
7. And the direct and indirect negative interactions with marine mammals and birds, among which some species have a delicate state of conservation.

Currently, different sectors of society promote the discussion of bills that prohibit the installation of salmon farms along the Argentine sea coast.

About Patagonia

Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is an outdoor clothing company located in Ventura, California. As a certified B Corporation, Patagonia’s mission is to manufacture the best products without causing unnecessary damage, and to use the business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. Patagonia is internationally recognized for its commitment to the authentic quality of its products and for its environmental activism. To date, it has contributed more than $ 78 million through financing and donations. More info at https://patagonia-ar.com/