Fishing & Aquiculture Industry
The Chilean fishing and aquiculture industry has developed rapidly in the last thirty years.
In the 1970s, the industry was based on coastal fishing and a few fisheries, but over the last 30 years, rapid growth in production and exports turned Chile into a world fishing power. A 2001 report issued by FAO placed Chile in 6 th lace in terms of the world’s largest landings, with 3.7 million metric tons, and 7 th among the world’s primary exporters of fishing products. In 2004, this industry accounted for 1.67% of GDP (Central Bank of Chile). Exports by the fishing and aquiculture industry reached US$2217 million in 2003, with volumes close to 2.2 million tons.
Comparative and Competitive Advantages
The marine ecosystem off the coast of Chile is highly productive, as is its Exclusive Economic Zone (200-nautical mile EEZ). Together with the cold waters of the Humboldt Current, this provides a large variety and abundance of resources for carrying out industrial small-scale extractive fishing activities.
Chile's water quality, ecosystem and geography have helped to develop a large number of cultivation resources. Substantial investments in leading edge technology have been made in all stages of the process.
The companies involved have done their part by making a significant and efficient effort in marketing which has resulted in the development of new products and markets.
Local shipyards, which have achieved a high degree of quality and efficiency, add value to landings and position Chile as a major supplier for fishing vessels whose main destinations are other nations such as Korea, Norway and Iceland.
Fish meal, cold-storage and canning plants have been subjected to and approved by rigorous Quality Assurance Programs (QAP) required by the world's most demanding markets, such as the European Union, the United States and Japan.
The ongoing and joint commitment by the fishing industry and regulatory agencies in matters including resource sustainability, the adoption of management measures by imposing closure seasons and global catch and landing quotas, are additional factors that help ensure the industry's future competitiveness.
Lastly, intense and prolonged research and penetration work has been conducted, and this translates into growth in terms of production volumes, diversification of marine resources exploited and the processing of new products.
Exports
The Chilean fishing and aquiculture industry has grown remarkably in the last two decades, focusing primarily on foreign markets. Over the past decade, 76% of the industry's output has been directed to foreign markets.
Links
The Chilean Salmon Farmers Association, SalmonChile, was created on August 23, 1986, to represent and join the efforts of salmon and trout farmers in such areas a law, technology, research, environment, and development of local and foreign markets.
Last updated: March 10, 2006