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Steel head production is
intended to be distinguished by its growth rate. Both
species will be "scientifically and ecologically monitored".
Although it has not yet been
confirmed, the governor of Santa Cruz province Néstor
Kichner is expected to attend the official opening.
Among the advantages of
farming rainbow trout in natural lagoons will be a reduction
in costs and improved product quality. This means the
company will be able to compete with products from the
northern region.
Steel head trout will be
grown for recreation and training as well as sale. Trout
will be processed as interleaved and vacuum packed fillets,
as well as larger gutted and tinned pieces. Final processing
will be done at a factory in San Julián or in Puerto Madryn.
The project took a year and a
half to develop at a cost of more than ARS 1 million. It was
assisted by the
Patagonian National Centre
(CENPAT) which enabled the company to fulfil national and
international quality requirements.
Summarising how the operation
will work, Ordiale told FIS.com that "rainbow trout
will restock Santa Cruz´s lakes to be eventually captured
with nets and boats, after feeding with natural foodstuff.
Afterwards, Harengus will buy the trout in order to sell
them in Argentina and other countries as wild fish.
"We will restock the Santa
Cruz river with the steel head trout (this species only
exists in Argentina), where we have our fish farm. It will
be used for recreational activities and tourism, and it will
also be farmed in sea cages."
Harengus has always been
concerned with improving aquaculture in Argentinean
Patagonia. For this reason the new facilities will also be
used as a place of study, for carrying out research
projects, and teaching topics related to the development of
the fishing sector in the region.
For three years to this day,
the company has provided fish to local producers for
breeding purposes.
By Patricia Loru
FIS Latino
Photo Courtesy of FIS Member
 SSI SEAFOOD
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