MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Magallanes fish exports stalled

The stoppage declared since last Wednesday by staff from the Chilean Fisheries National Service, Sernapesca, is complicating and delaying fisheries exports from Magallanes Region, according to Punta Arenas companies and unions.

The decision by Sernapesca main offices in Santiago to circumvent the stoppage has proved non effective because "the temporary staff sent to sign and certify export documentation is not registered overseas and therefore Customs in those countries, mainly the US and EU refuses to liberate the produce", indicated Santiago Astete, Sernapesca's union president.

The conflict started when the Chilean Finance Ministry did not endorse a project to improve and expand the plant where Sernapesca inspections take place.

"We know of problems with hake in Spain, salmon in Japan, EU, US and in Miami with toothfish", since the shipments don't have the correct and accepted documents added Mr. Astete.

Several Punta Arenas companies decided this week to retain shipments until the conflict is over. Mr. Astete said that the union this week will be making a review of the conflict and holding a press conference.