MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Landings in north Chile down 29.5%

Landings of fishery products in Chile's Region II were down 29.5% during the second quarter compared with the same period last year, according to National Fisheries Service (Sernapesca) data. The latest Sernapesca report shows that the total catch of pelagic species - anchovy, South American pilchard, horse mackerel and mackerel - came to 114,334 tonnes, which is 26.1% less than the total for April-June last year.

The industrial fleet accounted for 80% of the total pelagic catch with 91,381 tonnes. The remaining 22,953 tonnes was supplied by the artisanal fleet. Anchovy accounted for 78% of the industrial catch and 80% of the artisanal catch. Bottomfish catches were down just 0.92% to 8,978.1 tonnes, which was produced entirely by the artisanal fleet.

The Sernapesca report points out that although catches have fallen, the sector is showing signs of recovery. At 7,606.3 cubic metres, the fleet's total hold capacity is up 1.04% on the second quarter of last year. The increase is attributed to the incorporation of artisanal vessels.

According to El Mercurio de Antofagasta, 2,936 people were employed in the region's fishing industry. This indicates an 11.3% increase on last year's employment figures. An increase in jobs in the artisanal sector offset losses in the fleet, in processing plants and in aquaculture. (FIS/MP).-