MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Seminar on climate change challenges for Chilean fisheries

The 'invasion' of cuttlefish off the Chilean coast is linked to changes in the temperature of ocean water

The abundance of cuttlefish along the Chilean coast and the constant threat to hake and other commercial marine species are some of the possible consequences of global climate change mentioned in a recent scientific gathering held Santiago.

During the 'Climatic Change; Chile's Challenges,' seminar organised by the Copec Foundation and the Pontifica Universidad Catolica of Chile, last October 10, national and international experts, together with Government, University, and business sector representatives tabled the global phenomenon. During the meetings among the focus points addressed were the different sources that affect and generate the current climatic changes affecting catches and profits of commercial and artisanal fishery. They also underscored the fact that it is still necessary to carry out thorough studies on ocean currents, temperature changes in river beds and oceans, and analysis on the changes in most of the climate's component elements. According to Michael Manton, professor of the Monash University in Australia, "change in the average global temperature has risen within the past centuries" at increasing rates, while climatic warming index increased in the past 20 years. He mentioned the case of Perth, Australia as an example, where after having detected a drop in fresh water abundance, measures have been taken for its recycling along with the construction of desalination plants. Jane Lubchenco, professor of Marine Biology at the University of Oregon and ex-advisor on natural environment during Bill Clinton's presidency, emphasised that climatic changes affect ecosystems as well as marine resources. "The ecosystems will change drastically," and in many places, fish will change their particular distribution depending on the way in which each species confronts the temperature changes in the waters or the composition of its nutrients," she explained. The general manager of the Chilean Salmon Industry Association AG (SalmonChile), Rodrigo Infante, commented that the salmon aquaculture industrial sector has been studying climatic changes for some time now. Rene Garreaud, professor from the School of Maths and Physical Science of the University of Chile added that studies carried out between 1961 and 1990 showed an increase in sea level and a drop in ice and snow surface. Regarding hake, at the seminar talks were held on its 'inter-specie' relationship with cuttlefish and its evolution regarding temperature. Regarding this the general manager of the Chilean Fishing Society, Sonapesca, Hector Bacigalupo, referred to the situation as "cyclical" and he said, "we are at a miniscule window in time," reported the Aqua. Lastly, the Dean of the University Catolica of Chile, Pedro Pablo Rosso, highlighted the need to raise public awareness over this serious threat, to research the present goings on, share information and conclusions, as well as provide public policies on the matter. (FIS/MP)