Chile is the world's second largest producer of farmed salmon. Salmon farms have exploded over the last two decades in central Chile and can cause pollution from waste, introduce diseases, displace native fish, and impact artisanal fisheries. "Chile has taken the right step in protecting invaluable coastal resources off Tierra del Fuego and nearby areas," said Dr. Bárbara Saavedra, Director of WCS's Chilean Program. "These regions are home to rich concentrations of wildlife whose needs are only beginning to be understood. Marine biodiversity is a key for the development of local economies, such as ecotourism and artisanal fisheries."