EMERGING CONTAMINANTS IN SALMON FARMS IN CHILE: BASIS FOR RISK ASSESSMENT

TUCA, F; MOYA, H.; CRUZ, G.; BAY-SCHMITH, E.; DÍAZ-JARAMILLO, M.; BARRA, R.

Organohalogen Compounds

Eco-Informa Press

Año: 2013 vol. 75 p. 217 - 220

Chemical Risk Assessment in Chile is in early stages of development, where the principles of risk assessment have been adopted by the new environmental regulations. Southern Chile is an area with active development in the salmon farming industry, being the second largest producer behind Norway. One of the challenges faced by the rapid growth of the salmon farming industry is the presence of diseases and parasites affecting the salmon production such as the copepod Caligus rogercresseyi, commonly known as ?sea lice?. For combating sea lice, a series of pesticide chemicals is used such as, cypermethrin and deltamethrin (pyrethroids), which are applied as bath treatments. The registration of such chemicals for allowing their use in salmon farming must proceed through a risk assessment procedure based on VICH regulations. This procedure must account for the determination of a Risk Quotient (RQ) between predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) and Non Observed Effect Concentrations (NOECs) for local marine species. Based on this, a comprehensive approach adapted to the Chilean conditions for an adequate risk assessment of such chemicals is required