Chilean Fisheries Research Articles

Co-Management of Small-Scale Fisheries in Chile From a Network Governance Perspective

We examine decision-making, shared authority, and pluralism as key characteristics for the effective co-management of natural resources. Drawing on the concept of network governance, we complement this approach by studying localized practices of governance that support existing and compensate for missing aspects in the regulation. The regime of territorial use rights for fisheries (TURF) in Chile is a recognized example of large-scale co-management that has given rise to local organizations that manage and exploit benthic resources. Based on multi-sited qualitative fieldwork across five regions, we analyze practices with respect to two governance objects: the deterrence of illegal fishing and the periodic assessment of the fisheries’ biology fields. Our analysis shows that local fisher organizations have institutionalized informal practices of surveillance and monitoring to fill in the gaps of existing regulations. Although fisher organizations and consultants—the so-called management and exploitation areas for benthic resources (AMERB)—have managed to operate the TURF regime, they depend on the government to enforce regulations and receive public subsidies to cover the costs of delegated governance tasks. We suggest that governance effectiveness could benefit from delegating additional authority to the local level. This would enhance the supervision of productive areas and better adaptation of national co-management regulations to the specific geographical context.

The performance of shared fish stock fisheries under varying institutional and socioeconomic conditions: Evidence from the South Eastern Pacific Anchoveta Fishery

We apply the Fishery Performance Indicators (FPIs) methodology to the Southeast Pacific Anchoveta Fishery off southern Peru and northern Chile. Our basic model of analysis is a production function framework, where the performance outcomes are a result of the available inputs. We measured all FPI categories (outcomes and input metrics) and then grouped the metrics into different dimensions suitable for analysis. We obtained the value of each metric from different sources using expert evaluation and secondary information. Then we calculated aggregated measures at the country level and for the total fishery. We compared the country results and tested for mean differences. Our results suggest that there are no significant differences between the Chilean and Peruvian fisheries in terms of inputs. Moreover, no differences between the fisheries branches were found in the post-harvest stage. In the harvest stage, however, the Chilean fishery performs better than the Peruvian. From the differences and similarities found, we discuss the performance results between the Peruvian and Chilean branches of the fishery. The differences we found seems to be due to general societal factors that are beyond the control of fisheries managers. The differences in the organization of the fishery, characterized by high levels of concentration and vertical integration in the Chilean branch, could also explain the observed gap in performance.

The role of uncertainty in the design of sustainable and precautionary management strategies for fisheries

AbstractEnvironmental variability has a strong influence on marine fish stocks. Thus, management and harvest policies based on deterministic indicators, such as maximum sustainable yield (MSY), may be inappropriate facing such uncertainties. In this study, we investigate the long‐term behavior of a single‐species fishery, whose stock is harvested by several fleets and affected by variability in the recruitment. The dynamics of this population is modeled by a discrete‐time stochastic age‐structured model. In this context, we introduce the concepts of maximum expected, log expected, and harmonic expected sustainable yield, as biological reference points. We illustrate these concepts with a case study of the Patagonian toothfish fishery in Chile and Argentina. Via Monte‐Carlo simulations, we verify that high levels of variability have a negative effect on all these maximum expected reference points, which suggests the need to be more cautious when large levels of variability on recruitment impact the fishery. Our simulations show that the deterministic MSY may not be attained in the presence of environmental noise, and therefore its use may lead to a failure of management strategies or rebuilding plans.Recommendations for Resource Managers For sustainable harvest, proper accounting of stochasticity in recruitment dynamics is necessary. For high levels of volatility, the use of deterministic reference points to develop regulations, such as maximum sustainable yield (MSY), may lead to overexploitation and even a possible extinction of the fishery. We extend the MSY to the stochastic age‐structured framework by means of maximum expected stationary yield, maximum expected log‐sustainable yield, and maximum expected harmonic sustainable yield, which can be used as precautionary reference points. These three maximum expected yields and their respective optimal fishing mortalities decrease when the variability of fish recruitment increases. This stresses the need to be more cautious in presence of volatility.

Ex-vessel price monitoring design in small-scale fisheries: An application in Chilean fisheries

Small-scale fishery monitoring programs can provide valuable information about ex-vessel prices, which are essential for economic analyses and fisheries management. Ex-vessel prices obtained without adequate statistical support can generate inconsistent data and imprecise estimates that do not comply with quality standards that guarantee their usefulness in decision-making. We propose methodological approach for monitoring of ex-vessel prices across a wide range species and coves. In this study, an ex-vessel prices monitoring design was applied to small-scale fisheries in Chile. Our proposal includes: i) development of a sample frame, ii) adoption of a sampling design and estimators for the mean ex-vessel prices and their variance; and iii) determination of sample sizes. A sample frame of 40 species and 54 coves were selected to be monitored, representing close to 94 % of the small-scale landings. We proposed a stratified two-stage sampling design. Sample sizes of 2–5 days/month per species in each cove are suggested, with minimum limits between 3 and 10 transactions/day, in accordance with price variability. In coves where catch is transferred directly from fisher to consumer (shortened trade chains), higher and more variable prices were verified. In contrast, coves that destined their catch only to processing plants, ex-vessel prices remained relatively constant. The precision in mean ex-vessel price estimate depend largely on the number of days sampled. Data collection system used should be updated periodically, in order to capture the dynamics of the seafood trade at the landing sites and ensure precise and accurate estimates of mean ex-vessel prices. The methodological approach for price monitoring developed in this study can be used to implement or improve other ex-vessel price monitoring designs in small-scale fisheries.

Sustainability transformations: socio-political shocks as opportunities for governance transitions

Faced with accelerating environmental challenges, research on social-ecological systems is increasingly focused on the need for transformative change towards sustainable stewardship of natural resources. This paper analyses the potential of rapid, large-scale socio-political change as a window of opportunity for transformative change of natural resources governance. We hypothesize that shocks at higher levels of social organization may open up opportunities for transformation of social-ecological systems into new pathways of development. However, opportunities need to be carefully navigated otherwise transformations may stall or lead the social-ecological system in undesirable directions. We investigate (i) under which circumstances socio-political change has been used by actors as a window of opportunity for initiating transformation towards sustainable natural resource governance, (ii) how the different levels of the systems (landscape, regime and niche) interact to pave the way for initiating such transformations and (iii) which key features (cognitive, structural and agency-related) get mobilized for transformation. This is achieved through analyzing natural resource governance regimes of countries that have been subject to rapid, large-scale political change: water governance in South Africa and Uzbekistan and governance of coastal fisheries in Chile. In South Africa the political and economic change of the end of the apartheid regime resulted in a transformation of the water governance regime while in Uzbekistan after the breakdown of the Soviet Union change both at the economic and political scales and within the water governance regime remained superficial. In Chile the democratization process after the Pinochet era was used to transform the governance of coastal fisheries. The paper concludes with important insight on key capacities needed to navigate transformation towards biosphere stewardship. The study also contributes to a more nuanced view on the relationship between collapse and renewal.

Influence of Growth and Recruitment Parameters in the Assessment and Management Variables of the Yellow Squat Lobster (Cervimunida johni)

Fitting length data in age-structured stock assessment is a common method for evaluating hard-to-age animals, such as crustaceans. Growth specification and the uncertainty in the stock recruitment relationship are key issues in length-based assessment models. We conducted sensitivity analyses to evaluate the impact of growth and recruitment parameters on the stock assessment and management variables of the yellow squat lobster (Cervimunida johni) caught off the Chilean coast. Nine different scenarios of the length at first capture ( L a = 1 ) and the coefficient of variation at age ( c v a ) were tested for six combinations of values for the steepness parameter (h) and the recruitment variance ( σ R 2 ). We also investigated the reliability of these estimates using an operating model. Our findings indicate that the parameter related to growth, L a = 1 , has the greatest impact on the assessment and management variables of this fishery resource, with c v a having a lesser effect. Recruitment and fishing mortality estimates were the main variables affected. Parameters h and σ R 2 did not profoundly impact the variables assessed. In addition, L a = 1 was the most biased estimated parameter. We discuss that the high influence of growth parameters is related to model structure, and thus implications for determination of the status of yellow squat lobster should be addressed in the future. We recommended developing simulation protocols for the selection of growth parameters when using an age-structured model with length observations, and we believe that our findings are relevant for all Chilean fisheries with a similar stock assessment framework.

The impact of collective use rights on share contracts: the case of the Extractive Artisanal Regime (RAE) in Chilean hake fisheries

AbstractShare contracts are the dominant remuneration system in artisanal fisheries. Introducing regulations based on collective use rights may affect the way profits are distributed. The literature on the effect of regulatory reform on factor income distribution, however, is scarce. In this paper, we look at differences in the implementation of the Extractive Artisanal Regime in Chilean hake artisanal fisheries to test its effect on share contracts. We estimated a switching regression model using census data to calculate the average treatment effect. Our results show that crewmembers in communities regulated by some form of collective use rights receive, on average, 6 per cent more of total net incomes compared to those regulated by a limited access with global quota regime. Differences in the relation between crew size and labor rewards, as well as in the negotiating power of crewmembers under different regimes, may explain the results.

Otolith elemental composition reveals separate spawning areas of anchoveta, <em>Engraulis ringens</em>, off central Chile and northern Patagonia

The anchoveta (Engraulis ringens) is widely distributed throughout the Humboldt Current (4°30′-44°S). In recent years, its eggs and larvae have also been found inside fjords and channels of northern Patagonia, close to the southern limit of the central-south Chilean fishery zone. Currently, it is unclear whether these southern individuals constitute an independent subpopulation. This study analysed the elemental composition of otoliths from 102 specimens from central Chile and northern Patagonia using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results indicated that the elemental composition of the otolith cores (Mg, Pb, Zn, Ba) differed significantly between sites, revealing the existence of two discrete spawning zones, one in central Chile and one in northern Patagonia. However, the low significant differences of elemental signatures of otolith edges suggest that either individuals from both areas move between spawning areas and mix at certain periods of the year, or they represent pocket units that form part of a larger stock that moves along the coast.

Corrigendum: Overlap of Pink-footed Shearwaters and central Chilean purse-seine fisheries: Implications for bycatch risk

Corrigendum: Overlap of Pink-footed Shearwaters and central Chilean purse-seine fisheries: Implications for bycatch risk

First report of the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi found in farmed Atlantic salmon in the Magallanes region, Chile

The marine copepodid Caligus rogercresseyi is the causative agent of Caligidosis, the most important parasitic disease for the Chilean salmon industry. Historically, C. rogercresseyi has been widely distributed in coastal waters of northern Patagonia (40°15′S to 49°16′ S), where close to 90% of salmon farms are located. In 2017, sea lice were detected in farmed Atlantic salmon in the Magallanes region (south of 49°16′ S), affecting salmon farms for the first time. This study aimed to identify the sea louse C. rogercresseyi infecting Atlantic salmon, and also to report measures and activities conducted by the Chilean Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA) in conjunction with the Caligidosis Reference Laboratory (University of Concepción). The main actions were diagnosis and outbreak confirmation, case definition, surveillance, and implementation of control strategies. Here, the identification of C. rogercresseyi was confirmed through morphological and genetic analyses. In total, there were eight farms in the Magallanes region where at least one C. rogercresseyi individual was detected during 2017. Only in three case farms, C. rogercresseyi presented an epidemic behavior, reaching maximum levels of 24.5 adult lice/fish and 14 juvenile lice/fish. SERNAPESCA implemented different measures aimed to improve the sensitivity of the surveillance system, which yielded new case farms. The two farms with higher sea lice levels were treated with the organophosphate azamethiphos, resulting in a dramatic reduction of both adult and juvenile lice, although fish were re-infected a few weeks later. Further research is needed to determine the causes of this outbreak and evaluate its consequences for the local salmon industry.

Bycatch reduction device in the Chilean hake (Merluccius gayi) bottom trawl fishery, using a rigid separation grid

The Chilean hake trawl fishery is one of the most emblematic fisheries in Chile. Considering the type of trawl gear used in the industrial fleet and the variety of species which cohabitates this target specie, discarding has become a recurrent practice, where the jumbo squid and the Chilean hake are often part of the discarded fauna. This problem has been monitored since the amendment of General Fisheries and Aquaculture Law in Chile in 2012, where a definition for discard was incorporated, regulations were modified and sanctions were established for those who engage in this practice. To date, the estimates of discards in this fishery have experienced a reduction from five to one thousand tons, decreasing the amount of discarded catch of Chilean hake and jumbo squid. This reduction is coincident with the introduction of the rigid separation grid in the bottom trawls of the vessels that adopted its use. This article describes the use of the rigid separation grid in trawl hauls aimed at Chilean hake, in which there were fewer hauls with the presence of jumbo squid and also reduced the capture and the catch per unit effort of this species. Besides, an experimental work, which involved the use of a cover codend to retain the fraction of escaping fish due to the use of the grid, allow to verify the jumbo squid escape. The results allow concluding that the use of this device has shown to be effective allowing the escape rate of non-target species catch, as well to posterior discards of these species.

Contribution to the study of sustainability of small-scale artisanal fisheries in Chile

The present work aims to advance the study of sustainability in the small-scale fishing sector by exploring the relationships between the four pillars (economic, social, environmental and institutional) of sustainable development, based on a set of proxy indicators for each one. Faced with a lack of calibrated indicators for the artisanal fishing sector in Chile, the first stage was to identify a set of sustainability indicators that could be used to this end. Subsequently, using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), the relationships of causality between the pillars were explored, and finally, from the scores obtained for each pillar through structural equation modelling, a sustainability index was determined for each fishing community. This index will provide an indicator with which to measure and compare the relative sustainability of the fishing communities found within three different zones. The results obtained show important differences between the sustainability indices of the three zones, with fishing communities in the northern zone having a lower sustainability index, while those in the central and southern zones have a higher sustainability index. Several causal relationships between the pillars were detected.

Presence and characterization of microplastics in fish of commercial importance from the Biobío region in central Chile

In this study we have identified and characterized microplastic particles (MPs) found in six fish species of commercial importance in central Chile. The fish species belong to different trophic levels and were obtained from the oceanic and coastal habitats. To analyze MPs, the fish gastrointestinal content was extracted, analyzed and characterized using a microscopy equipped with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The MPs found in fish samples were mainly constituted by red microfibers (70–100%) with sizes ranging between 176 and 2842 μm. Polyester, polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were identified as the prevalent polymers detected. The coastal species showed the presence of microfibers with a higher size and abundance (71%) compared to oceanic species (29%), suggesting there is a greater exposure risk. These findings are consistent with results found in other investigations worldwide. However, further research is still needed to accurately establish the potential exposure risk for the public consuming these fish and the impact of MPs in the Chilean fishery activities.

\u201cBefore we asked for permission, now we only give notice\u201d: Women\u2019s entrance into artisanal fisheries in Chile

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) in the Global South are increasingly subjected to the internationalisation of food systems. Guided by a feminist political ecology approach, we examine how gender relations and power structures within SSF are changing through policy interventions and market linkages. Chilean women working in SSF have traditionally been unregistered direct producers. Since the early 2000s, however, women have formally entered as fishers within this hitherto male-dominated space. Today, women constitute almost a quarter of artisanal fishers in Chile. While women have become more visible, among others, in their engagement in territorial use rights in fisheries (TURFs), little research attention has been paid to women’s roles within SSF. We redress this shortfall by examining the struggle to obtain TURFs by an all-women seaweed gatherers union in Coliumo (Bio-Bio Region, Chile). Using participatory research tools, we describe key gendered interactions and events over a local struggle for resources. Our findings show how closely related episodes of cooperation and conflict were involved in realising TURFs, which included differently-gendered relationships. While the women implicated in formalising fishing entitlements accrued individual benefit and enhanced their collective standing, the conflict left a deep scar among women in the community.

Implementing Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management: Lessons from Chile's experience

The Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management (EBFM) paradigm has been incorporated in the new Chilean Fisheries Act, requiring Chile to transition into EBFM. Chile is a major fishing nation and has substantial industrial and artisanal fleets that provide significant social and economic benefits to Chile and its coastal communities. With Chile facing global challenges, such as food security and climate change, transitioning to EBFM is seen as a mechanism for improved management of Chile's marine resources. Using Chile as an example to review coherence, strategies and implication of policies for transitioning toward EBFM. In Chile, the implementation of EBFM, in general, appears to be making progress and should be able to be applied for all fisheries (and aquaculture). Despite positive outcomes, there are weaknesses that can harm the successful implementation of EBFM. Changes such as management councils and scientific committees structured around ecosystems rather than single species, the engagement of broader types of stakeholders, and the use of appropriate reference points are necessary for a strong implementation of EBFM. Incorporating these modifications under the current management framework would enable Chile to improve its implementation of EBFM and prepare its fisheries to address future management challenges under scenarios of change.

Assessing the estimation of trawling catches using LiDAR sensor technology

The measurement of total catch on-board a fishing vessel is generally a very complex process, especially to scientific observers. In this context, hauls of large volume, intricate fishing operations and limited access to the capture increase this problem. In this paper, we propose a methodology to address the estimation of catch volume in codends of a crustacean fishery through LiDAR (light and radar) technology. A sensor was used to acquire a three-dimensional representation of an object located at a fixed distance from the device, thereby simulating a fishing codend. Then, a convex-hull algorithm was applied to this representation to obtain an estimation of its volume. Additionally, to obtain further insights, an experimental laboratory setup was used to emulate the volume estimation of catches on a fishing vessel. The dataset acquired by the system was subsequently analyzed to study the percentage errors associated with the estimation process and to test whether the selected variables are significant. The results indicate that there is considerable uncertainty related to the volume estimation, but it can be addressed using a statistical model. This work constitutes the first attempt to provide a methodology to estimate the catch volume of a codend in a Chilean fishery by generating new measurement alternatives for fishery monitoring programs, enforcement and management institutions, as well as the fishing industry.

Factors affecting the operational interaction between the South American sea lions and the artisan gillnet fishery in Chile

The South American sea lion (SASL, Otaria byronia) is one of the species of pinnipeds that display the strongest level of conflict with fishing activities throughout its distribution range. However, little is known about potential temporal and/or spatial variations in the magnitude and effects of SASL and fishing interactions over an entire year and at different sites simultaneously. This study examines the factors that affect the intensity of the operational interaction between SASL and the artisan gillnet fishery in central Chile. Between 2014 and 2016, a total of 145 hauls at three artisan fishing coves were analyzed. South American sea lion interactions were observed in 82 of the 145 (56.6%) hauls analyzed, most frequently at the coves of San Antonio and El Membrillo. From the examined factors, Predation per Unit Effort increased with the number of SASL, however it decreased both during the summer and with greater distance from the nearest SASL colony. Artisan deterrent systems used by fishermen were found to be inefficient in avoiding the interactions with sea lions. Although the intensity of the interaction has increased in recent years (compared with previous studies in the area), the observed Catch per Unit Effort did not differ significantly during fishing trips with or without interaction, indicating that SASL is not a determining factor in the variation of artisan fishery catches. These results demonstrate that the intensity of interactions is not produced at random but rather it is related to factors that obey biological and ecological aspects of the SASL. These factors should be considered for the development of effective actions to prevent, or at least to reduce the interaction between SASL and artisan fisheries.

Lethal and sub-lethal effects of commonly used anti-sea lice formulations on non-target crab Metacarcinus edwardsii larvae

The pesticides used by the salmon industry to treat sea lice, are applied in situ via a bath solution and are subsequently discharged into the surrounding medium. The effects of cypermethrin, deltamethrin, azamethiphos and hydrogen peroxide were assessed on the performance of Metacarcinus edwardsii larvae, an important crab for Chilean fishery. All larvae were dead or dying after 30 min of exposure to cypermethrin and after 40 min to deltamethrin at concentrations 100 and 20 times lower (0.15 and 0.1 μg L−1, respectively) than the concentrations and exposure times recommended by the manufacturers (CRM) to treat sea lice. Azamethiphos affected all larvae at a concentration 10 times lower than CRM. Hydrogen peroxide had the lowest detrimental effects, but at the CRM, 100% of the larvae were affected. Sub-lethal effects, i.e prolonged developmental time, were observed at concentrations lower than CRM. Repeated exposure to azamethiphos (0.0625–0.5 μg L−1) and hydrogen peroxide (188–1500 mg L−1) had effects on survival. In conclusion, the pesticides used against parasitic copepod tested here, negatively affect non-target crustacean larvae. Due to the product’s characteristics, the lethal effects of the pyrethroids probably are restricted to the time and area of application, while the action of azamethiphos may extend to a wider area. Current data are insufficient to accurately dimension the effects of these compounds in the field. More research is required to evaluate the consequences of prolonged developmental times and/or reduction in appendage mobility, so as the effects of these compounds on the pelagic and benthic communities.

Iron-dumping ocean experiment sparks controversy.

Canadian foundation says its field research could boost fisheries in Chile, but researchers doubt its motives.

The consequences of landscape change on fishing strategies

We show how land-use change can affect fisher-harvesting behavior. We test whether fisher harvesting behavior can be predicted by landscape change patterns at local (~200km) and regional (~1200km) levels. Our data suggest that fishers harvesting in areas near tree plantations reduced benthic-invertebrate harvests in favor of demersal and pelagic finfish that are usually located further offshore. Fishers' management areas, which were near tree plantations, had higher chlorophyll-a values, and contained shellfish with more endobionts. Technology (owning a boat) and experience (age, years fishing, and alternative livelihoods) explained little in fisher-harvesting behavior. The flagship Chilean fisheries management program and seafood companies sourcing from these areas will need to respond to these new challenges. Despite complexities in designing cross-scale, social-ecological studies, we can no longer ignore the interconnectedness of commodities in the biosphere.