256 EIGHTH PACIFIC SCIENCE CONGRESS 



While the longHne is still of great importance for cusk eel, flounder 

 and croaker fishing, the otter trawl has become of increasing importance 

 in the recent years, in the fishing of hake or whiting, taking about 65% 

 of the total fish catch. 



Almost all the nets used in Chile are made from domestic materials 

 and, although there is a lack of adequate fittings and cable, operations 

 are fairly efficient. 



d) Investments. 



Chile's fishing industry was evaluated in June 1947 as representing 



an investment of approximately 400 million pesos, distributed :ts follows: 



Total 400 



It is probable that, on account of recent developments, particularly 

 the severe inflation suffered by the country, the total investments in the 

 industry are now 100% higher, that is around 800 million pesos. 



3. Production 

 a) The Fishing Zones. 



Chile can be roughly divided in respect of her marine fisheries, into 

 five zones, which from north to south are: 



North: Provinces of Tarapaca and Antofagasta 



North Central: Province of Coquimbo 



Central: Province of Valparaiso and San Antonio 



South Central: Province of Talcahuano 



South: Provinces of Valdivia and Puerto Montt. 



The northern zone with Iquique, Antofagasta and Taltal, is im- 

 portant because of its pelagic fisheries which include such species as 

 tuna, bonito, swordfish and pilchard, processed in the local canneries, 

 the largest in the country. 



The north central zone supplies the immediate mainland as well 

 as the Santiago Market with the highest priced varieties of fresh fish, 

 viz: cusk eel ("congrios negro" and "Colorado"), flounder, croaker, 

 mackerel, etc. 



The central zone is the site of the large trawl fisheries centering in 

 Valparaiso and San Antonio. Hake is the species exploited, with about 

 64 per cent of the catch going to fish meal plants. 



