MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Pacific countries sponsor plus 200 miles EEZ

Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia are committed to achieve the extension of the current 200 miles Exclusive Economic Zone, EEZ, in an effort to foster conservation and combat poaching.

The commitment was symbolically agreed this week in Santiago de Chile to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the "Declaration on the maritime zone", by which the four countries on the Pacific coast, pioneered the establishment of sovereignty and exclusive jurisdiction on their waters up to a distance of 200 miles from the coast.

"After celebrating what is undoubtedly a historic landmark, we must now commit ourselves to continue working", said Chilean Foreign Secretary Soledad Alvear, since we have "the challenge to protect straddling and highly migratory fish stocks that belong to the 200 miles".

Peruvian Foreign Secretary Allan Wagner remarked that the four countries must promote the peaceful us of the extended EEZ, banning military exercises.

"It's time to promote this new concept of peace, as well as joining efforts to combat illegal activities linked to drugs and smuggling", emphasized Mr. Wagner.

The agreement was also signed by the Deputy Foreign Secretaries of Ecuador and Colombia.

Half a century ago, on August 18th., 1952 Ecuador, Chile and Peru, and later on Colombia, signed a Declaration establishing the concept of a 200 miles Exclusive Economic Zone, EEZ, which was later incorporated by the United Nations into the Law of the Sea.

Chilean fishery exports

The value of Chilean fishery exports during the first half of 2002 dropped 7,1% compared to a year ago, however the volume jumped 10,7% according to the latest figures from Sonapecas, Sociedad Nacional de Pesca.

Exports reached 943,5 million US dollars and volume summed 666.679 tons from 602.299, a year ago.

"The drop is mainly because of lesser shipments of salmon, almost 140 million US dollars less than a year ago", said a spokesperson for Sonapesca. However it was partly compensated with an additional 55 million US dollars in fish meal and another 5 million.

Sonapesca points out that fish meal prices helped compensate lower income since the ton is now averaging 628 US dollars, a 30% increase over last year's 432. "The strong market should persist until the next fishing season in Peru begins". Chilean salmon exports actually dropped 27,8% during the first six months of 2002, reaching 321 million US dollars, compared to the 445 million US dollars of 2001.