MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Fisheries News.-

Headlines:
Argentina bans hake and angel-shark ; Research reveals extent of Jack-mackerel crisis; Chilean fishmeal exports expand 6.9%; Controversy with organic fungicide for salmon; Galician seafood guaranteed safe to eat; Patagonian toothfish protection area modified.

Argentina bans hake and angel-shark fisheries

Argentine fishing authorities announced the suspension of the southern hake (Merluccius australis) fishery for vessels operating under Argentine flag since the maximum allowable catch for this season, as established by the Federal Fishing Council, has already been completed. Resolution 91/2003, published in the Boletin Oficial (Official Gazette) November 10, also closed the Argentine angel-shark (Squatina argentina) fishery this date until 31 December 2003. The decision signed by the Fisheries Undersecretary Gerardo Nieto, is based on a report prepared by the Fishing Economy Statistics sector indicating that 97.5% of the maximum allowable catch for Argentine angel-shark in Argentine jurisdictional waters had been reached October 20. However the ban on the fishing of both species is a precautionary measure "that allows for these species to still be caught as the by-catch of other fisheries". The document warns that violation of the regulation will be punished with sanctions as stipulated by the Fisheries Law. (FIS/MP).-

Research reveals extent of Jack-mackerel crisis

A paper written by researchers from the Chilean University of Concepción revealed that the so-called ?jack mackerel crisis' that affected south-central Chile some years ago, was far more serious than originally believed. The paper titled, ?An Economic, Social and Biological Analysis of Region VIII's Fishing Crisis 1997-2002,' proves that not only did the reduction in the jack mackerel biomass have a serious economic impact on the region, but it also generated high levels of social and political conflict. According to the authors of the research paper, the global impact of the fishery crisis between 1997 and 2001, led to a reduction of 13,600 jobs in the regional economy. The study reveals that in 1997, 11,300 people worked in the sector. This figure slowly declined, in 2000, to 9,000 direct jobs, experiencing a mild recovery in 2001. The study also revealed that the so-called ?Asian crisis', which hit international markets including Chile from 1997 onwards, resulted in the loss of another 3,400 direct and indirect jobs - less than a third of those lost during the jack mackerel crisis. However the gradual but sustained recovery of the resource, and efficient control measures, including maximum catch limits per vessel owner, established in 2001, enabled employment to pick up. According to information from the Chilean Safety Association, it is now one of the top job-generating industries. A joint study carried out with UNESCO's Inter-governmental Oceanic Committee predicts a dramatic recovery in the Chilean jack mackerel sector if the current quota is maintained or slightly increased, which could lead to 9,868 jobs by 2005 and a 2 million tonne quota. The results of the paper were presented before a meeting of businessmen, workers and Chilean Fisheries Undersecretary, Felipe Sandoval. Researchers recommended that the government adopt a proactive stance to generate the legal framework for the development of this fishing sector. (FIS/MP).-

Chilean fishmeal exports expand 6.9%

Chilean fishmeal exports were up 6.9% during the first eight months of the year, compared with the same period last year, generating revenue equivalent to 255,5 million US dollars. Information from the Chilean Fisheries Undersecretary reveals that fishmeal accounted for 49.6% of total fishery export volume during this period, with 875.400 tonnes. Fishmeal actually achieved the best results in the entire capture fisheries sector, making up 38.9% of the export value and 64.6% of export volume. The most important markets for fishmeal were China with 26.8%, Japan with 17.5% and Taiwan 14.7%. The first two imported slightly less than in 2002, while Taiwan showed a minor increase in its imports. The German market showed a considerable increase, almost trebling export value to 19 million US dollars. High quality fishmeal was the main product exported to this country. The share of export value by grade shows that prime fishmeal represented 45.8% of export value, super prime followed with 43.4%, and standard 10.1%. Capture fisheries contributed almost 96.7% to production in volume as well as value. Pelagic fish was the most important resource, which accounted for 99.2% of this volume and value. Prices have also recovered. The cumulative average price was USD 631/tonne for super prime fishmeal, USD 600 for prime, and USD 573 for standard. The average price for the first eight months, including fishmeal produced by the aquaculture sector, was USD 624.8 per tonne, which is lower than last year's USD 631.4 per tonne. (FIS/MP).-

Controversy with organic fungicide for salmon

The lack of appropriate legislation has hampered the manufacture of an organic product that fights a fungus which seriously affected farm salmon populations in Chile, reports La Estrella de Valparaiso. Last year, a Chilean scientist from the University of Santa Maria, Gustavo Olivares, developed a fungicide and bactericide, called Saprofin, which can be used on fish without producing harmful side effects on the environment. Apparently it has already been used experimentally with excellent results. The substance is made from a mixture of essential oils and works to organically cleanse the water. However because there is a void regarding this type of products the Chilean Agriculture and Livestock Secretariat (SAG) has refused to authorise its manufacture and distribution. According to experts Saprofin efficiently kills the fungus Saprolegnia sp, which is responsible for the death of 30% of the Chilean farmed salmon population. The disease, which attacks both eggs and adults is costing millions of dollars a year to the salmon industry - one of Chile's principle export products. "Due to the good results obtained from the experiments, and with the support of 70% of the country's salmon companies, we met with a SAG representative to begin proceedings to obtain permits that will allow the industry to continue research and which will also allow for the official registration and authorisation of this product," said Olivares. Because SAG has refused to assist with the research Olivares is carrying out his own campaign to promote the importance of developing this product, presenting both research data and results obtained from experiments. As a result, his team has already received support from the salmon sector, and even international acknowledgement. The Chilean National Fisheries Service (Sernapesca) has admitted that red tape is hampering the development of this product and has promised to try to convince SAG to authorise the production and distribution of this organic fungicide. Olivares said that if the authorities continue to reject this product, which he believes will revolutionise the salmon industry, he will seek support abroad - specifically in Holland. (FIS/MP).-

Galician seafood guaranteed safe to eat

The Galician Government stated that the region's seafood is "guaranteed safe for human consumption." The Health Department issued a statement in response to claims made earlier in the week by the environmental organisation WWF/Adena, claiming toxic effects from the Prestige oil slick on Galician seafood. Galician authorities accused the WWF of basing its information on a supposedly scientific report that was "based on hype and on damage caused to the fishing and restoration sectors". In contrast to the WWF claims, Galician Health experts indicated that all of the 870 fish samples collected along the Galician coast, and analysed in the Lugo Public Health Laboratory, proved fit for human consumption. Galician authorities also confirmed that very strict controls were introduced for all seafood in fish markets, supermarkets and with fishmongers following the Prestige disaster. They pointed out that, since the accident in November 2002, more than 42,000 tests had been carried out to "guarantee that all products in the food chain were fit for human consumption". The Galician Government's statement stresses that since the disaster inspections within the industry have become far more frequent and Galician laboratories are now equipped with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon detection systems which help to immediately identify toxic substances which are easily absorbed by several marine species. (FIS/MP).-

Patagonian toothfish protection area modified

A new ruling issued by the Argentine Federal Fishing Council modifies the sea shelf trawling fishery area in order to ensure the preservation of Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) juveniles. The new restricted area will be within the following points: ? 54° South latitude and 64° West longitude, ? 54° South latitude and 61° West longitude, ? 55° South latitude and 64° West longitude, ? 55° South latitude and 61° West longitude. The decision follows a report from the National Institute of Fisheries Research and Development (Inidep) indicating that most of the Patagonian toothfish catches carried out during January - September 2003 originated in areas 5462 and 5463 - the juvenile protection area - and from nearby area 5461. The new CFP Resolution (20/2003) states that vessels which catch more than 3% of Patagonian toothfish within their total catch, of which more than 15% Patagonian toothfish juveniles, will be excluded from fishing operations in the established area until 28 February 2004. Vessels which exceed the Patagonian toothfish juvenile catch limits according to this resolution will also be banned from the Patagonian toothfish fishery for 90 days. All vessels that catch Patagonian toothfish as their target species will be obliged to carry an observer and an inspector on board throughout the entire trip.(FIS)