MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile: Catches declined slightly, but exports increased

Fish catches in Chile have dropped by 7 per cent last year in comparison with those of 2004, and are down from 5,404,501 tonnes to 5,018,298 tonnes, reported the National Fisheries Association (SONAPESCA), while exports increased by 19.1 per cent, earning USD 1,356 million in revenues between January and December 2005, vis-à-vis 1,138 million obtained in 2004.

According to SONAPESCA, the increase in exports was a result of strong investments made by companies in the areas of frozen seafood production, landings, and raw material processing.

SONAPESCA has pointed out that initiatives were once again made possible by optimum organisation and stability of the fisheries sector that has been achieved through the implementation of maximum catch limits per vessel owner.

The SONAPESCA report also states that exports of fishmeal, algae and by-products, and horse mackerel (both frozen and canned) have grown by 31 per cent in 2005, despite last year when the average fishmeal price went down by 2.3 per cent (from USD 700 in 2004 to USD 646 in 2005).

As for pelagic catches, they declined by 19.9 per cent from those of 2004, chiefly due to a decrease in anchovy landings in northern Chile.

High oil costs continue to be a cause of concern for the sector, as it accounts for 50 per cent of horse mackerel fishing costs, according to SONAPESCA general manager Cristián Jara.

"The fleet had to operate offshore, sometimes more than 600 miles from the coast, where approximately half of the landings are caught," he added.

The increase in steel prices has also had a significant incidence in seafood canning costs, especially taking into account that this resource represents a third of the production costs for canned horse mackerel. (FIS)