Fishing industries face challenges in Chile and Argentina

The fishing industry in northern Chile is facing a crisis due to the El Niño phenomenon. Reports from the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) confirm zero landings of anchoveta in the ports of Arica, Iquique, and Mejillones following the end of the biological ban on October 8. Rising sea temperatures have altered the marine ecosystem, causing the anchoveta to migrate or decline, leaving local artisanal fishers and processing companies like Corpesca and Camanchaca without raw materials.

In Argentina, the Chubut Fisheries Secretariat has suspended shrimp prospecting in southern waters. The decision was made following the detection of high concentrations of common hake (Merluccius hubbsi) during initial acoustic surveys and low shrimp yields. Authorities and the Chubut Yellow Fleet Chamber (CAFACh) implemented the suspension to prevent excessive incidental hake catches and ensure resource sustainability.