From Saturday until November 26, the entire community is invited to be part of the selection process of the projects that will be recognized in the categories of “Innovation and Development” and “Community Commitment.” 

After a rigorous process of selecting the finalists, B2B Media Group, publishing house of Medios AQUA, invites the entire community to be part of the selection process of the projects that will be recognized in the categories of “Innovation and Development” and ” Community Commitment”.

Three finalists were chosen in each category, and from today the web platform opens so that the public can vote for their favorites in both areas.

The award ceremony, which will take place on November 27 in Puerto Varas, aims to distinguish and highlight the projects of companies in the sector that have worked hand in hand with the communities in which they operate, as well as those initiatives innovative companies that are contributing to the construction of the industry of the future.

Starting today, Saturday, November 23, it will be possible to vote for the favorite project through the page https://www.premiosostenibilidadsalmon.cl/

Innovation and Development Award

The recognition of Innovation and Development is especially relevant in a context where the salmon farming industry faces constant challenges, such as sustainability and adaptation to new technologies. Rewarding innovative projects not only drives progress in terms of efficiency and competitiveness, but also contributes to improving environmental practices and social responsibility in the sector.

In this category the finalists are:

• ACC Reina Estefania ship
  The ACC Reina Estefanía Vessel is a new vessel from ACC Servicios Marítimos that provides services to salmon farming. Designed and built in Puerto Montt in the company’s workshop. The design of this boat is unique and they are in the process of patenting this innovation. This is the transformation of an anchoring vessel, a single-hull type under the old tonnage regulations, with the possibility of increasing its volumes and remaining a smaller vessel (double its capacity). In this it was possible to integrate a moon pool (hole for anchoring dead weights) 7 m long by 3 m wide. At the same time, the design contemplates two anchoring towers, one with a raised winch (2 m above the deck) to introduce the dead weights from the water and be taken to the main deck, where depending on the anchoring line, they could be joined on the surface and then installed on the bottom, avoiding diving maneuvers.
• PTEC – INVA of Antarctic Salmon
  The second finalist is Salmones Antártica, with the project “Technological Program for the Local Production of Nutritional Inputs for Aquaculture (PTEC – INVA)”. The PTEC – INVA, promoted by Corfo, works by integrating agriculture with aquaculture in a model that enhances productivity and employment. This synergy translates into the development of key infrastructure, such as advanced logistics, specialized means of transportation, collection facilities and processing plants, generating a robust Research, Development and Innovation (R&D&I) ecosystem.
• Retina Lab FAN Monitoring
  The third finalist is Retina Lab and its Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) monitoring project with AI. It is about monitoring and alerting about the appearance of HABs thanks to a system that integrates monitoring and the use of an algorithm that allows for timely warning about the occurrence of a bloom and more quickly identifies the type of algae in question. This monitoring program allows savings of 3 to 4 hours with fish in the boats, reducing the carbon footprint of these movements and ensuring compliance with regulations.In addition, the increase in the geographical coverage of monitoring provides more information in surrounding areas, not only at the point where the center is located, algae-free routes and minimize the effects on the transfer of smolts of the presence of harmful algae in the route to planting.

Community Relations Award

Community Commitment is a category of growing importance, as it highlights the efforts of companies that not only seek to generate economic value, but also generate a positive impact on local communities. Recognizing the joint work between salmon farming companies and the communities in which they are located is essential to strengthen the social bond and improve the quality of life of the people who depend on this sector.

The finalists in this category are:

• Cultivating the future of Salmones Austral
  Salmones Austral applied with the project “Cultivating the future of the Algueras de Chaicas”, which carries out work with local families, which aims at the sustainable cultivation of Huiro under a model of social regeneration, with great economic and environmental impact on the community.  This is an unprecedented initiative, based on a prototype of a circular economy model for the cultivation and commercialization of endemic algae, carried out by women, in this territory of the Los Lagos region. Salmones Austral makes a resting aquaculture concession available to residents to be cultivated by women and heads of households who acquire knowledge and technology regarding algae cultivation. Likewise, the neighbors’ work will be remunerated, since the cultivated algae will be marketed with national and international buyers.Salmones Austral and Huiro Regenerativo will work together with the beneficiaries and manage and coordinate the initial investment for the development of the crops.
• MOWI salmon tourism
  The second project selected by the jury is from MOWI, and it is the Project: Salmon Tourism. Initiative that aims to make known the main productive activity of different salmon farming areas to the inhabitants and visitors of the southern town. The tours seek to publicize the complete salmon production cycle, taking advantage of the fact that the company has it completely integrated within the Aysén region.
  The visit begins at the Fiordo Aysén recirculating fish farm and ends at the Chacabuco secondary plant. The project also contemplates the collaborative work of the company with a local tour operator and members of the community. And the visitors are opinion leaders, such as journalists, authorities, leaders and leaders of the gastronomic sector, among others.
• Women in action of Camanchaca
  The third selected is Salmones Camanchaca’s project, “Women in Action – Female Strengthening in Guaitecas.” This is a social intervention program with a gender focus, aimed at women in the Guaitecas commune, Aysén region, whose objective is female empowerment through training, mentoring and support networks, to promote the development of business skills. and leadership. This program is led by Constanza Vásquez, businesswoman, leadership expert and president of ASECH Chile. The initiative, carried out in alliance with Servicio País and Municipality of Guaitecas, is unprecedented in the region and arose together with the community. On its launch day, 60 women attended and the graduation will be at the beginning of December 2024. In addition, the Business Achievement and Women in Salmon Farming awards will be presented at the event, recognizing two personalities with vast experience in the industry, whose work has been key to the development and growth of the sector. These awards highlight the importance of recognizing not only innovation and social impact, but also the individual contributions of those who, over the years, have been agents of change and leadership within the industry.

  We invite you to review the projects and vote at the following link: https://premiosostenibilidadsalmon.cl/

  The Voting Portal will be enabled from today, Saturday, November 23 until November 26 at 12:00 PM.

  Source: www.aqua.cl