EDIBLE SHELLFISH OF THE CHILEAN COAST 



By Francisco Riveros-Zuniga 



Estacion de Biologica Marina de la Universidad de Chile 

 Montemar, Chile 



In 20 years shellfish production of Chile has risen from 5,180 tons 

 in 1931 to 19,931 tons in 1951, the largest increases being recorded in 

 1940 and 1946. The zones of Puerto Montt, Talcahuano, Valparaiso, 

 and Antofagasta are the most important producing areas for edible 

 crustaceans and molluscs. Puerto Montt produces almost 80% of all 

 shellfish consumed in the country; 46% of its local production is used 

 for canning and in this form distributed all over the country. 



However, as exemplified by the CHORO {Chorojnytilus chorus 

 Molina, 1782), the production of some species has steadily declined. In 

 fact, its catch decreased during the period 1930-1943 from 3,237 to 1,651 

 tons. This calls for the immediate adoption of conservation measures. 

 On the other hand, from 1945 to 1951, the total production of OYSTERS 

 (Ostrea chilensis Philippi, 1845) has mounted from 260 to 598 tons or 

 more than double. This increase is due to enforced conservation prac- 

 tices and to annual restocking of depleted beds. 



The most sought after species of shellfish, from the industrial point 

 of view are: LANGOSTINOS (Plated lobsters), ALMEJAS (Clams), 

 CALAMARES (Squids), CENTOLLAS (King crabs), CHOLGAS (Mus- 

 sels), CHORITOS (Horse-mussels), ERIZOS (Sea urchins), TACAS 

 (Hard clams), PICOS (Giant acorn-shells), PIURES (Edible sea-squirts), 

 APANCORAS and CANGREJOS (Crabs), on which information will be 

 given later on. 



In 1951 the amount of shellfish used for canning was 7,244,061 Kg. 

 with a net yield, on an edible basis, of 1,223,921 Kg. The consumption 

 of fresh shellfish during the same year reached a total of 12,684,405 Kg. 

 with a net yield of 1,569,100 Kg. 



ECHINODERMATA 



Loxechinus alhus (Molina, 1782). ERIZO COLORADO o ERIZO 

 COMESTIBLE (Red or Edible Sea Urchin). Among the echinoderms of 

 Chile the only one of commercial value and pieferably consumed fresh. 

 The gonads, commonly called lenguas de erizo (sea urchin tongues), 

 are canned in oil, mostly in small plants located at the Island of Cal- 

 buco. In addition, along the coast from Callao, Peru, to the Magel- 



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