Chile - Fishing



With 1,016 species of fish within Chilean waters, its commercial fisheries have long been important. The low temperatures and Antarctic current supply the purest and most oxygenated marine waters in the world. Since 1959, their growth has been rapid, largely owing to the development of a fish-meal industry, centered around Iquique. Anchovies are predominant along the northern coast, whiting and mackerel in the central waters, and shellfish in the south.

Leading fish and seafood caught commercially are Spanish sardines and yellow jacks, as well as anchovies, whiting, eels, sea snails, mackerel, and mussels. Tuna fishing has increased, as have catches of clams and lobsters. The total fish catch soared from 340,000 tons in 1960 to 1,237,000 tons in 1976 and 4,300,160 tons in 2000, but down from 7,720,578 tons in 1994. Chile is ranked fifth in the world in total landings of fish. In 2000, Chile contributed 3.2% to the world's exports of fish products, valued at $1.78 billion. Exports of fish and fish-meal account for about 9% Chile's total exports.

Increasingly, salmon production is playing an important role in Chile's fishing industry. The Chilean salmon and trout industry consists of more than 70 companies employing directly and indirectly over 40,000 workers, mostly in Regions X, XI, and XII. Aquaculture is conducted in 234 coastal operations for which the companies pay user fees to the government. In 2000, exports of salmon and trout products were valued at $545.7 million.

User Contributions:

Chile would definitely be a place to go to get involved in the fishing industry. I come from a long line of fishermen in the Pacific Northwest, unfortunately the American fishing industry has been severely hampered by federal regulation since the mid 80's.
I'm excited by the thought that some of us could start over!
2
Anthony Abraham
We are interested in your fish.
can you send the types you export and the prices.
We are also interested in the wines you make for
export.we understand that you have good tasting wines
which we can introduce to our customers here in
Trinidad and tobago,in the west indies.
Thank you anthony Abraham
3
Alexander
what is the cost of a commercial fishing license in chile? and do they have halibut to fish for
4
Rene Parkes
I am very impressed with the mamagement of the Chilean Fishing Industry and I will be even more impressed if they could also explore the possibility of Including salted shark and packaging of fish nuggets as a furhter means to diversify.
They can also look to fresh water fish farms to further diversify and to allow replinishment of the salt water stocks.
Sports fishing could alo be included and to engage in bill fish tournament similar to what takes place annually here in Grenada with the annual Budget Marine SpiceIsle Bill Fish Tournament.

Muchas Gracias Amigos
Saludan todos!

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