Chilean Artisanal Fishermen Mobilize Against Chinese Fleet Activity, Demand Increased Surveillance

National Mobilization Amidst Allegations of IUU Fishing

Artisanal fishermen throughout Chile have initiated a national day of mobilization, protesting the presence and alleged activities of a Chinese fishing fleet operating near and within Chile's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The fishermen claim that the foreign fleet is engaging in suspicious behavior and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which they assert is severely impacting local marine resources and their livelihoods. Protests have been reported in various ports, including Coquimbo, Valparaíso, Iquique, and San Antonio, with some demonstrations involving barricades and material set ablaze.

Concerns Over Resource Depletion and Suspicious Practices

Local fishing communities express significant concern over the depletion of key species, particularly the jumbo squid (also known as Humboldt squid or 'jibia'), which they report has become scarce in coastal areas for several months. Fishermen allege that the Chinese vessels, often numbering around 50 or more, use powerful lighting systems at night to attract squid, drawing them away from traditional artisanal fishing grounds. Alberto Olivares, president of the Federation of Fishermen of Iquique, described the foreign vessels as 'real termites that destroy everything and devastate the entire ecosystem.' While some Chinese vessels dock at Chilean ports for maintenance, restocking, and refueling, fishermen suspect these stops are a pretext for continued IUU activities.

Official Stance and Monitoring Efforts

Chilean authorities, including the Navy, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca), and the Ministry of Defense, have stated they maintain active and permanent surveillance of maritime traffic. The Ministry of Defense confirmed the presence of 166 foreign vessels off Chile's northern coast, with the Navy reporting approximately 66 vessels off Iquique, but authorities assert these fleets operate outside the national maritime boundary. Sernapesca indicates that all foreign vessels requesting port calls undergo rigorous inspections, including checks on logbooks and cargo, and that no regulatory non-compliance has been found to date. The Chinese Embassy in Chile has also issued statements, asserting that China is a 'responsible fisheries country' and that accusations of illegal fishing within Chile's EEZ are 'completely without factual basis.'

Regional Context and Policy Shifts

The situation in Chile is part of a broader regional challenge involving Chinese distant-water fishing fleets in South American waters. Data from Oceana indicates a significant increase in Chinese fishing vessels making port calls in Chile, with 121 arrivals recorded this year, compared to five in 2023 and seven in 2024. This shift is attributed by some to stricter regulations implemented in Peru, which previously saw a higher number of Chinese vessel calls. Pascual Aguilera, spokesperson for the National Alliance for the Defense of Artisanal Fishing of Chile, noted that Chile's less stringent regulatory requirements, such as not mandating the use of a national satellite positioner, might be attracting these fleets. Environmental NGOs and fishing organizations are calling for stronger regional cooperation to combat IUU fishing and protect the South Pacific's marine ecosystems.