THE FISHERIES OF CHILE 



By B. F. Osorio-Tafall 



Oficina Regional para Sudamerica Occidental 

 Santiago de Chile, Chile 



Introduction 



The coast of Chile extends from the tropics to near the Antarctic 

 region for a length (not including islands and channels in the far south) 

 of about 2900 miles, along the Southeast Pacific. 



Chile is becoming aware of the wealth of her coastal waters. In- 

 creased action is being taken to utilize these natural resources to com- 

 plement the food intake of the population and also to develop national 

 brands for the domestic markets to replace formerly imported com- 

 modities and, in certain cases, for sale on the international market. 



As in other Latin American countries where rapid progress is be- 

 ing made in the better utilization of their fishery resources, Chile is 

 consistently showing an important increase in the output of its marine 

 fisheries. From a total catch of about 30,600 metric tons in the pre- 

 war years, the production rose to 118,300 tons, or by about 386 per cent, 

 in 1952. This is due particularly to the meat shortage and also to the 

 encouragement of the fishing industry by both Government agencies and 

 private interests. 



Should the demand of the domestic market increase or new foreign- 

 markets be opened to Chilean fish and shellfish products, it is likely that 

 a great deal of expansion could take place. Not only could fresh fish 

 production be enlarged but processing would also become profitable for 

 some valuable species. 



1. Natural Conditions 



Chile appears to possess all the natural advantages for the establish- 

 ment of a very important fishing industry, perhaps the leading one in 

 Latin America; a long and productive coast line, many valuable species 

 ot fish, molluscs and crustaceans, and a sea-going population which has. 

 been engaged in fishing for many years. 



Favorable oceanographic conditions, particularly along the Hum- 

 boldt current, are conducive to provision of varied marine species for 

 commercial purposes, some of which are virtually unknown in most 

 parts of the world. 



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