MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chilean fisheries exports reach 718 million US dollars

Chile fisheries exports during the first half of this year increased 7.6% in value totalling 718.5 million US dollars, in spite of a slight 4% drop in landings which was compensated with an increase in prices and greater added value

Fish meal and jurel, both frozen and tinned, were the items which experienced the highest price increase. In June a ton of fish meal reached 980 US dollars, averaging 866 US dollars in the first half which is 40% above 2005. Similarly, frozen and tinned jurel in the first half of 2006 averaged 660 and 1.247 US dollars per ton, which is 24% and 27% higher than last year's average.

Total landings reached 2.98 million tons, 4% less that in the first half of 2005, mainly because of a considerable drop in the anchovy catch (36% less) while jurel catches remained stabilized.

The income difference is attributed to improved international prices but also to a greater input of added value to Chilean exports which begun in 2001 following the implementation of the new fisheries bill.

"Since the approval of the transitory Fisheries bill 2000, there are more jobs and production in the industrial sector, which contrasts with what is happening with the coastal fisheries overwhelmed with stagnation and labour strife", said the Chilean Fisheries National Society CEO Cristián Jara.

"Improved production, productivity and efficiency are closely linked to a proper legal framework for the industry as was anticipated with current legislation", added Jara.

As to employment in the sector according to the Chilean Safety Association, fisheries experienced a 4.3% increase in the first half of 2006 which is double the Chilean average of 2.2%, making it the fastest expanding sector behind construction and electricity generation.