Chile’s red tide intensifying, threatens marine life, fishing industry

The massive red tide responsible for killing thousands of sea creatures along Chile’s coast is intensifying, the government said this week.

READ MORE: What’s killing off Chile’s marine life?

A red tide occurs when colonies of algae grow out of control, turning the water red, and making seafood toxic to humans as well as other marine life and birds.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 36,000 tonnes of salmon have washed ashore in Los Lagos. On the island of Santa Maria, 10,000 dead cuttlefish washed up onshore. In 2015, 3,000 dead whales were found dead on the beaches of southern Chile.

It’s believed that this winter’s intense El Niño — one of the strongest on record — is responsible for the marine conditions.

Though El Niño continues to weaken, the country’s Deputy Minister of Fishing and Aquaculture told a local radio station that the bloom is spreading.

Los Rios, which lies north of Los Lagos, has begun to experience the effects of the red tide, of deep concern to residents. Officials said that 300 tonnes of dead sardines were found in the region.

Chile’s fishing industry has been hit hard by the red tide, with the government closing off shores, essentially eliminating the livelihood of thousands of fishermen. In an effort to compensate the crippled industry, the government offered roughly 100,000 Chilean pesos ($180) to each family, but, after protests, raised it to 300,000 ($563).

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Officials are making an effort to clean up the water and beaches, but many Chileans feel that the government is not doing enough. Protesters have taken to the streets to support those who have lost their livelihood to the outbreak. Fishermen have also blocked access to the island of Chiloe.

— with files from Rebecca Joseph

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