In the midst of chile’s health crisis, it is difficult to pay attention to other issues, however, it is important not to lose sight of good news coming from the fisheries sector. The Undersecretariat for Fisheries has just released the Annual Report of the State of Fisheries, which revealed that in 2019 there was a significant recovery in resources in the south central area of the country.
Particularly noteworthy is the evolution of the mackerel, which is largely intended for human consumption. It presents an spawning biomass with increasing trend over the last 5 years, reaching in 2019 levels above maximum sustainable yield (RMS). The mackerel has regained its ability to reproduce properly and evidences volumes of catches that are sustainable.
In the case of Common Hake, there is also encouraging data on its recovery, which is confirmed by a relative improvement in average size in catches and industrial fisheries yields. However, to consolidate its recovery, it is a priority to eradicate illegal fishing, which remains present at very alarming levels in the Valparaiso, O’Higgins and El Maule regions.
The progress we see in recovering the fishery resources of the south centre is no coincidence. In the case of mackerel, which improved its status to a state of full exploitation, we see that the practices and measures implemented by industrial fishing have been successful and, through the permanent incorporation of best practices, we ensure that we carry out a responsible and sustainable activity.
We are developing this activity with strict adherence to the regulatory criteria delivered by the authority, which has generated us recognition at the international level. Last year we obtained international sustainability certifications, which leaves us in a leading position in the management of fisheries worldwide.
We are moving on the right path and motivated for fisheries resources to follow their path of recovery. We are also aware that Chile today faces difficult times and uncertainty, the product of the effects that coronavirus is leaving. Therefore, in recent weeks, industrial fishermen in the south centre have stepped up efforts to care for our workers and collaborators, maintain our production to support employment and, at the same time, ensure the much-needed supply of our country.
We are committed to continuing to work responsibly so that we can continue to deliver food security for Chile in times that require the greatest efforts of each of us to succeed in this crisis that affects us all.
The content poured into this opinion column is the sole responsibility of its author, and does not necessarily reflect the editorial line or position of El Mostrador.
