Dalcahue farming site in a forested valley

Where experience becomes results.

Our experience is reflected in a network of production sites developed and operated across southern Chile, combining infrastructure, technology, and applied knowledge.

38+ years

In active operation

9 hatcheries

Across three regions of Chile

22,270 m³

Installed volume

2,560 t

Biomass capacity

1988

First hatchery.

Dalcahue's first hatchery

2000

Regional expansion.

Regional expansion

2007

RAS implementation.

Implementation of RAS technology

2014

Tierra del Fuego project — a project for a third party

Tierra del Fuego project

2019

Start of the renewal at Quillaico

Renewal at Quillaico

2023

Production increase in the fry room

Fry room

2025

Production increase in the smoltification room

Smoltification room

2026

Conversion from flow-through to RAS

Conversion to RAS

Projects

9 sites. 2,560 tonnes of installed capacity.

Quillaico RAS

A site specialized in recirculation and water efficiency for high-demand operations.

  • 900 t of annual biomass.
  • 7,860 m³ of volume.
Tanks at Quillaico RAS
Interior of Quillaico RAS
Operations at Quillaico RAS

The challenge

To put more than 35 years of knowledge and experience into the design and construction of a hatchery that stands apart from others in the industry.

The solution

A hatchery was built to a high standard in facilities, control, energy efficiency, and waste handling.

Result

A modern, efficient hatchery was developed, with technologies that optimize production and resource use.

Learning

Accumulated experience and new technologies make it possible to develop more efficient and sustainable facilities.

San Patricio RC2

A site focused on process optimization and production growth.

  • 220 t of annual biomass.
  • 1,200 m³ of volume.
San Patricio RC2
Facilities at San Patricio RC2
San Patricio RC2

The challenge

To replicate the construction of San Patricio RC1, expanding its capacity and adding improvements that make the system more efficient and safer in facilities, water quality, smolt quality, and energy efficiency.

The solution

Lessons from RC1 were incorporated, with improvements in design, processes, control, and operational efficiency.

Result

Production capacity increased, with greater safety, stability, and recirculation efficiency.

Learning

The experience of one project reduces uncertainty and improves the results of the next ones.

San Patricio RC1

Infrastructure designed to ensure stability and operational continuity.

  • 120 t of annual biomass.
  • 850 m³ of volume.
San Patricio RC1
Systems at San Patricio RC1
San Patricio RC1

The challenge

The first recirculation hatchery, where the challenge was to learn and enter the world of recirculation technology.

The solution

RAS technology was adopted, internal knowledge was developed, and processes were adapted to the new system.

Result

The first RAS hatchery was implemented and operated, laying the groundwork for future recirculation projects.

Learning

Adopting new technologies requires continuous learning and the development of internal capabilities.

Quillaico Flujo Abierto

A historic operation that reflects decades of experience with freshwater systems.

  • 230 t of annual biomass.
  • 2,900 m³ of volume.
Quillaico Flujo Abierto
Tanks at Quillaico Flujo Abierto
Surroundings of Quillaico Flujo Abierto

The challenge

The great challenge of this hatchery was to commission its facilities from an early understanding of the industry and with very limited resources.

The solution

Critical needs were prioritized and practical solutions were developed to start operations.

Result

A hatchery was commissioned with limited resources, creating a first experience in the industry.

Learning

With limited resources, it is essential to prioritize, choose simple solutions, and make the most of what is available.

San Patricio Flujo Abierto

A strategic facility focused on efficiency and operational performance.

  • 610 t of annual biomass.
  • 2,340 m³ of volume.
San Patricio Flujo Abierto
Facilities at San Patricio Flujo Abierto
View of San Patricio Flujo Abierto

The challenge

Our first hatchery in the Araucanía Region. The great challenge was to set up the full operating and production logistics in an area where we had no presence.

The solution

A logistics structure was developed to coordinate resources, people, and production from a new location.

Result

A stable operation and an operating presence were established in the Araucanía Region.

Learning

Geographic expansion requires logistics planning, adaptation to the setting, and local teams.

Lleuque

A site prepared to respond to the changing needs of the salmon industry.

  • 100 t of annual biomass.
  • 2,350 m³ of volume.
Lleuque hatchery
Aerial view of the Lleuque hatchery with circular tanks in the forest
Operations at Lleuque

The challenge

Our second hatchery in the Araucanía Region. Beyond the distance and location that made it harder to operate, the great challenge was to balance the production plan so we could make the most of water of extraordinary quality, but with extreme temperatures in winter and summer.

The solution

The production plan was adapted to the characteristics of the water and to thermal variation.

Result

The water resource was put to use, adapting production to the climate and maximizing its potential.

Learning

Every water source has its own characteristics. Knowing them and adjusting production is key to performance.

Pullinque

An operation supported by processes designed to ensure reliability and stability.

  • 100 t of annual biomass.
  • 1,470 m³ of volume.
Pullinque hatchery
Facilities at Pullinque
Operations at Pullinque

The challenge

The great challenge was to turn a hatchery opened in 1970 into an operationally viable facility with modern technology.

The solution

Facilities and processes were modernized, adapting the infrastructure to production needs.

Result

An old facility was recovered and turned into a viable operation, in line with current standards.

Learning

Renewing existing infrastructure is viable when experience, innovation, and sound investment priorities come together.

Niltre

Infrastructure that combines experience, efficiency, and high production standards.

  • 100 t of annual biomass.
  • 1,700 m³ of volume.
Niltre hatchery
Facilities at Niltre
Operations at Niltre

The challenge

To turn a very small, artisanal hatchery into a facility able to produce a minimum viable volume to our quality standards.

The solution

Facilities and processes were optimized to increase capacity and professionalize the operation.

Result

An artisanal operation was turned into a hatchery with greater capacity, order, and quality standards.

Learning

Small facilities can reach a viable scale through progressive improvements and standardized processes.

Gorbea

A facility focused on keeping processes efficient and adaptable to different production requirements.

  • 180 t of annual biomass.
  • 1,600 m³ of volume.
Gorbea hatchery
Facilities at Gorbea
Operations at Gorbea

The challenge

To transform a rudimentary, artisanal hatchery and bring both its construction and its production up to quality standards.

The solution

The facilities were modernized and the processes were standardized around quality and safety criteria.

Result

The hatchery was turned into a more modern, orderly operation, aligned with the company's standards.

Learning

Improving an operation means addressing infrastructure, processes, people, and quality together.

A school of salmon at a farming site

2,560 t of installed capacity.

Each site represents years of learning, technical decisions, and experience gained in real conditions.

Experience is not declared. It is demonstrated.

We believe the best engineering comes from experience. Since 1988, we have devoted our work to understanding, improving, and refining every stage of the production cycle, contributing to the sustainable development of the salmon industry.

+38 years of experience
9 operating hatcheries
La Araucanía · Los Ríos · Los Lagos

© 2026 Salmonifera Dalcahue