The United Kingdom plans to produce around 50,000 tons of salmon in the Falklands.

The illegitimate British government of the Falkland Islandsis considering a proposal to develop salmon farming in the South Atlantic archipelago. The initiative has been presented by Unity Marine, a joint venture between Fortuna Ltd, a fishing company based on the islands, and the Danish consultancy F-Land ApS, specialized in aquaculture.

This firm proposes an initial investment of 5 million pounds sterling in a first exploratory phase, aiming to reach a production of 50,000 tons of Atlantic salmon.

The proposal is currently subject to public consultation, the results of which will be known by the end of this year. If approved, an environmental and economic impact assessment will begin, in addition to considering the granting of foreign licenses for operation, which would be evaluated individually.

The Falklands present natural conditions similar to other high-quality salmon-producing regions such as the Faroe Islands, Shetland, and Orkney. They have protected bays, fjords, and cold, stable water temperatures, ideal for aquaculture.

Additionally, the remote location allows for less exposure to diseases and less environmental pressure compared to more densely exploited areas.

Unity Marine has conducted measurements of ocean currents and wave patterns to identify optimal sites for the installation of farming centers. The company plans to establish its headquarters in Port Stanley, the capital of the archipelago.

According to Unity Marine's CEO, James Wallace, the project will use the most advanced technology and sustainable production methods, with aspirations to obtain international ASC certification (Aquaculture Stewardship Council).

Wallace emphasized that the development of the salmon industry would not only diversify the local economy, currently dependent on squid fishing, but would also boost GDP, create jobs, and strengthen the economic security of the island community.

The plans include the installation of eight marine farms, located between 3 and 7 kilometers from the coast of East Falkland, on both sides of its geography. Each center will have conventional floating cages with predator nets to protect the fish from sea lions. The operation will feature automated barges for remote feeding, similar to those used in Tasmania.

Additionally, two facilities for breeding fry with recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are planned to be built in Mare Harbour, near the Mount Pleasant military base, and New Haven, on the west coast of East Falkland.

Half of the initial investment will be allocated locally, according to Unity Marine. Furthermore, the company plans to install two wind turbines and a backup generator to ensure a sustainable energy supply. The possibility of including solar panels in future phases of the project is also being studied.

Wallace highlighted that the development of this industry could offer incentives for young islanders educated abroad to return to their homeland to work, replicating what happens in places like the Faroe Islands.

However, he acknowledged that there is vocal local resistance to the project, although he also found support based on a vision that sees the responsible use of natural resources as essential for the survival of a remote community like the Falklanders.

Meanwhile, as the illegitimate British government plans to capitalize on the economic capabilities offered by the area, various progressive associations funded by the British embassy in Argentina (Greenpeace) have managed to ban salmon farming in the country.