Chilean fisheries see mackerel return as hake ban begins

Chilean fisheries are seeing a shift in resource availability as September begins. The mackerel (jurel) population is reappearing in traditional fishing zones following a scarcity caused by warmer waters associated with El Niño. This recovery follows a protocol implemented by the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca) to allow more flexible harvesting in protected areas.

Simultaneously, a biological ban on the common hake (merluza común) is in effect throughout September to protect the species during its peak reproductive period. Sernapesca has launched a public awareness campaign, ‘Que no le vendan la pescá’, urging citizens to avoid purchasing fresh hake and to report illegal sales. The ban prohibits the capture, transport, processing, and commercialization of the fish nationwide.

The increased availability of mackerel and hake comes at a time when the cost of other food items for the national holidays (Fiestas Patrias) has risen by approximately 5.4%.