Between 2013 and 2023, the number of people employed in Chile's aquaculture sector exhibited significant fluctuations. Peaking in 2016 at 25.7 thousand units, employment fell sharply by more than 51% in 2019 to 8.88 thousand units. Despite a slight recovery in 2020, by 2023, employment dwindled to 10.62 thousand units. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years (2018-2023) averaged -10.33%, reflecting an overall downward trend.
Looking ahead, forecasts indicate a continued decline in employment, albeit at a slower pace. The CAGR from 2024 to 2028 is expected to be around -1.21%, translating to a 5.93% reduction in headcount over this period.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Impact of technological advancements and automation in aquaculture.
- Global market demand for aquaculture products.
- Regulatory changes and environmental sustainability initiatives.
- Investment in workforce development and training in emerging techniques.