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Foreign Developments Table 1.-Sauth American centalla catch, 1975-84, in metric tans.

Year Argentina Uruguay Total

1970 400 200 600 The South American 1971 400 400 1972 400 400 Centolla Fishery 1973 400 400 1974 511 511 1975 609 362 3 974 1976 1,028 279 2 1,309 1977 1,306 322 10 1,638 1978 1,908 370 4 2,282 Introduction southern king . Another related 1979 2,265 62 21 2,348 1980 1,351 77 5 1,433 , centolla espinuda, L. murrayi, 1981 1,280 174 8 1,462 1982 1,473 203 1 1,677 Chilean and Argentine fishermen also called Murray , reportedly 1983 2,755 179 2 2,936 caught nearly 2,950 metric tons (t) of occurs in the southeastern Pacific, but 1984 2,746 200 NA 2,946 centolla, Lithodes antarcticus (Fig. 1) in no resource estimates have yet been Source: FAG "Yearbook of Fishery Statistics" 1984, about the same as in 1983 (Table compiled on it. (1970-83 data); Servicio Nacional de Pesca, "Anuario Estadistica Pesquero" (1984 Chiiean I). The species is also known as south­ The centolla is closely related to the data); Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Desar­ rollo Pesquero, unpubl. (1984 Argentine data). ern or South American king crab l . Alaskan golden king crab, L. aequis­ Most of that catch (almost 2,750 t) was pina, and its outward appearance is very taken by Chilean fishermen, although similar except for size and coloration. continued growth of the Chilean catch Sexually mature male centolla average Table 2.-Chile·s centollan cat"~. will be limited by the size of the about 10 em (shell length), and weigh 1978-84, in metric tons. resource. about 0.7 kg, which is somewhat smaller Year Catch Year Catch While no definitive Chilean stock than Alaskan king crab whose average 1978 637 1982 309 1979 952 1983 831 assessment estimates exist for the whole weight is about 2.5 kg. The average size, 1980 429 1984 851 range of the fishery, most observers do however, varies with the grounds. In 1981 310 not believe the resource will support Chile, the average weight in the major Source: Servicio Nacional de Pesea. significantly expanded . The commercial grounds located in the south "Anuario Estadistico de Pesca," 1978-84. potential for increased centolla catches, is about 1.5-1.8 kg. No data are available however, may be greater off the coast on weight variation along the Argentine of Argentina because of the country's coast. In coloration, the centolla is and Alaskan gives the broad Patagonian shelf which may pro­ similar to its more distant cousin the a special appeal in the market­ vide excellent habitat for the crab. The Alaskan red king crab, place. Centolla differs from the Alaskan Argentine Government, however, has camtschatica, but the shade varies by red king crab, however, in that its body not yet assessed the centolla stock on depth, age, and stage of the spawning and legs are covered with sharp spines that shelf. cycle. The bright red color of centolla up to 1 em long. Argintine stock assessments con­ ducted in the Beagle Channel where the current fishery is based suggest a very limited stock. Developments in the cen­ Figure I.-South American centolla. tolla fishery are of interest to the because some observers view centolla as a possible competitor for Alaskan king crab, Paralithodes cam­ tschatica. U.S. imports of Chilean crab (primarily centolla) increased signifi­ cantly from 190 t in 1977 to 550 t in 1984. Species The South American centolla fishery is conducted primarily for L. antarc­ ticus. Smaller catches are also taken of a related species, centollon, Paralomis granulosa (Table 2), also called false

'The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has ruled that centolla cannot be labeled as "king crab" in the United States.

52 Marine Review Habitat studies in the Beagle Channel have from 2,000 to 60,000 eggs. Larval devel­ The centolla is found along both the demonstrated that the make no opment comprises three stages of zoea Pacific and Atlantic coasts of southern significant lateral migrations, but that and one of megalopa. The planctonic/ South America (Fig. 2). The crab pri­ they do move vertically in the water zoeallife cycle lasts less than a month, marily inhabits shallow water, usually column, primarily for reproductive pur­ with the actual time depending primar­ in areas extending from the intertidal poses. After mating they return to ily on water temperature. zone to depths of 150-200 m, although deeper water. The females carry the fer­ Male centolla molt later than the in some areas off northern Chile speci­ tilized eggs for about 280-300 days females, usually in March or April. The mens have been found as deep as 600 before the larvae hatch the following crabs move into shallow waters to molt m. The primary determining factor ap­ spring (mid-September to early Novem­ and, because they are vulnerable to pears to be water temperature which is ber). Young females produce about predators while their shells regenerate, why the crab occurs in deeper water at 5,000 eggs annually, while oldei" females they become less active and rarely ven­ the more northerly latitudes. The crab can produce 30,000 or more eggs. ture from their hiding places among the is found in areas with both rocky and Females have been observed carrying rocks. As a result, catches are usually sandy bottoms, but restricts itself pri­ low during this period. Immature males marily to the former during the molting usually molt twice a year, but this is period when it is most vulnerable to reduced to a yearly molt long before the predators and tends to remain well hid­ 38° males reach legal size. Large males of den in the rocks and crevices. 15 cm or more may go up to 2 years without molting. Centolla grow slowly. Life History Studies conducted by the Argentine In­ 40° Female centolla move into shallow stituto Nacional de Investigacion y water to molt and during the Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP) deter­ j­ I mined that by the time the crab reaches southern hemisphere's spring and early I summer seasons (December and Janu­ a size large enough to be vulnerable to ary). Chilean tagging studies in the the traps, the growth rate of the straits of Magellan and Argentine was an average of 9.3 mm per molt for males and 4.2 mm for females.

Fishing Grounds Chile Centolla is found from Cape Horn (lat. 55°5'S) north to Valdivia (lat. 38°48'S), although it has occasionally been observed as far north as Talcahu­ ano. The primary Chilean fishery is located off the extreme southern coast from Canal Trinidad/Isla Wellington (lat. 500 S) to Cape Horn (lat. 55°40'S), a range of about 650 krn, which covers an area of about 132,000 krn (Fig. 2). The greatest known resource concentra­

40° tion is off southern Chile in the Straits of Magellan and surrounding area2 and it is there where most of the commer­

45 0 cial catch is taken. Until 1974, the ­ ery was limited almost exclusively to the Straits of Magellan, but has since been extended to several new grounds in Region XII. Chile's southern administrative re­ 56° gions are shown in Figure 3. A much smaller and less productive fishery is centered around Puerto Montt in Region

Figure 3.-Chile's southern adminis­ 'The grounds are located in Magallanes, Chile's Figure 2.-Centolla distribution. trative regions (IX-XII). XII RegIOn, where almost all of the catch is taken.

48(2), 1986 53 X, about 2,000 km to the north (Table Table 3.-Chile's centolla catch by admin­ yet substantiated this hypothesis. The istrative region, 1982·84, in metric tons. 3). Between those two areas are hun­ Patagonian off Argen­ dreds of kilometers of rugged coastline. Catch (t) tina extends for hundreds of kilometers There are no roads linking southern Region 1982 1983 1984 into the Atlantic, beyond the Falkland Chile with the more populated central I-IX Islands. That broad shelf would appear X 30 21 47 area of the country. The south is isolated XI 2 46 17 to offer an excellent habitat for centolla by 400 nllies of mountains, glaciers, and XII 1,441 2,688 2,682 and other crabs. Test fishing conducted deeply indented coastline. Chilean biol­ Total 1,473 2,755 2,746 so far, however, has found no large, ogists believe that crabs occur along the Source: Servicio Nacional de Pesca. "Anuario commercially exploitable stocks. The entire coast south of Puerto Monu, but Estadistico de Pesca," 1982-84. Argentine Government has not made the size of the resource does not war­ centolla a priority research subject, but rant the investment necessary to conduct plans do exist for more frequent re­ fishing operations in the central area. search. The only indications of the size Table 4.-Chile's centolla catch per unit of effort in of the resource on the Patagonian shelf Argentina Region XII durin~ the main fishing seasons (July to January) 1979-84 . off Argentina comes from trawl fisher­ There is a small traditional centolla CPUE (crabs/trap) men who have reported incidental

fishery located on the Argentine side of Area of 1979­ 1980­ 1981­ 1982­ 1983­ catches of centolla while fishing for the Beagle Channel on the southern Region XII 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 hake and other demersal species. edge of Tierra del Fuego. The growth 1 0.62 086 0.83 NA' NA potential of this fishery is minimal be­ 2 0.55 0.48 0.60 0.62 0.82 Vessels 3 0.55 NA NA 0.99 1.73 cause of the limited stocks there. In 4' 0.56 069 080 NA 1.10 Centolla fishermen use several types 4A NA NA 1.06 1.02 NA August 1979 the Argentine Government 5' 0.90 0.89 1.23 1.07 1.34 of vessels ranging from small nonmotor­ imposed an 18-month ban on the taking 6' 136 2.15 1.54 1.68 1.91 ized wooden vessels less than 7 m long 7' 1.13 NA 1.07 0.97 1.17 of centolla in the Beagle and Moat 8 098 1.34 0.81 1.01 0.96 to modern steel-hulled vessels of over Channels to allow stocks to recover. The 9' NA 1.39 1.33 1.19 1.23 20 m. About 50 percent run 8-17 m. 10 NA NA NA 1.12 1.16 ban was lifted in early 1981 but activity Most of the fishermen use wooden 'Source: Beat,iz Hernandez, "Southern King Crab (Lith­ in the region was still strictly regulated odes antarcticus) of the Magellan Region, Chile," Instituto vessels that are built locally and average and limited to artisanal fishermen. No de Fomento Pesquero, 1985. about 10 m in length. Fishermen using 'NA = Not available. centolla fishing is currently conducted 3Primary fishing areas. the larger steel-hulled vessels general­ on Argentina's broad Patagonian shelf, ly report the best catches. The smaller although some observers suggest that boats «8 m) are not capable of deploy­ such an enterprise might be possible. ing traps efficiently and some are allegedly involved in the illegal tangle Stocks Available catch per unit of effort data, net fishery. for example, has shown a slight increase One recently formed Chilean com­ Chile in catch rates during recent years (Table pany has requested and received funds No comprehensive study has been 4). from the Chilean Development Corpor­ conducted to assess the centolla stocks. ation (CORFO) and the Inter-American Most observers, however, believe that Argentina Development Bank (IDB) for the con­ Chilean stocks of centolla are probably Argentine centolla stocks have not struction of 45 vessels especially de­ not sufficient to support greatly ex­ been fully assessed either. INIDEP has signed for the capture of centolla and panded commercial operations. The conducted some research in the Beagle other . The vessels will be resource is thinly distributed in most Channel where the small Argentine fish­ steel-hulled but smaller than those steel­ areas and past attempts to establish such ery is currently based, much with the hulled commercial vessels currently operations have resulted in depletion of cooperation of the three Argentine com­ operating in the fishery. The 14 m the stocks in the target areas. One fac­ panies which process centolla. Based on vessels will be small enough to maneu­ tor limiting the stocks is the extent of their research, INIDEP believes that the ver among the narrow fjords and chan­ the habitat along the Chilean coast. Beagle stock could yield about 136,000 nels of southern Chile, but also sturdy Unlike the broad continental shelf which crabs per year or, roughly, perhaps 315 enough to operate in the open . supports the Alaska's larger king crab t. INIDEP officials caution, however, Each vessel will carry between 300 and fishery, the western coast of South that because of fluctuations in effort due 400 traps which will be raised and America plunges steeply into the to catch limitations during recent years, lowered with the aid of hydraulic Pacific, thus limiting the potential historical data is not sufficient to base winches. In addition to the 45 capture habitat to a narrow band along the con­ a reliable maximum sustainable yield vessels, the company also has contracted tinental slope. Available data suggests estimate. to purchase 10 vessels to transport the that, except in a few specific areas, the Argentine stocks could eventually be catch from the grounds to the process­ resource is not yet being overfished. proven larger, although no studies have ing plant.

54 Marine Fisheries Review Table 5.-Chile's centolla catch in the ma­ of , 2) better utilize the re­ Fishing Methods jor fishing area of Magallanes (Region XII) 1982-84'. source, and 3) establish a permanent

For many years tangle nets were the Catch (t) data base. The proposed plan would primary means of catching centolla. maintain the current regulations con­ Month 1982 1983 1984 This method proved counterproductive, cerning minimum sizes, gear restric­ January 208 278 244 however, because the nets were not February 58 121 202 tions, and prohibition on taking females. selective in their catch and centolla of March 26 67 135 The plan includes an additional regula­ April 23 53 54 all sizes became entangled. Many juven­ May 33 97 107 tion establishing a closed season from ile crabs were thus lost to the fishery June 48 123 113 1 December to 15 January to protect the July 62 162 157 because they died before they could be August 87 208 255 crabs during the mating season. September 113 287 369 freed from the nets or were injured so October 145 389 328 The cost of conducting research pre­ badly that they had little chance of sur­ November 289 488 402 cludes a regular program of stock eval­ viving. Argentina banned the use of nets December 349 415 316 uation and, as a result, the proposed to capture centolla in 1975 and Chile Total 1,441 2,688 2,682 plan does not entail the establishment issued similar regulations in 1980. Thus, 'Source: SERNAP, "Anuario Estadistico de of an overall quota based on an estima­ the crabs can be legally harvested with Pesca," 1982·84. tion of a maximum sustainable yield. traps only. The traps are generally con­ The plan does make provision, however, ical with a base diameter of 1.6 m and for temporary area closures if officials a height of about 0.6 m. They are believe that stocks are being depleted in deployed in sets of 10-20 traps and the species has been more carefully small areas. Officials are particularly baited with fish, although some other studied. The Servicio Nacional de Pesca concerned, for example, about the status baits such as marine mammals and birds (SERNAP) has conducted a research of stocks in some of the new fishing are allegedly used illegally at times. program since 1979. The primary man­ areas recently opened and for which Most of the vessels are equipped with agement regime is based on a prohibi­ little data on catch, size frequency, and mechanical winches to raise the traps. tion on the take of juvenile crabs «12 effort are available. The success of the fishermen depends cm carapace3) and on all female crabs. The Chilean centolla fishery is higWy on many factors, most importantly their Originally only the harvesting of berried seasonal. Fishing effort in the southern knowledge and experience. The areas of females was prohibited, but because fishery tends to be at low levels during highest concentration of the resource females carry eggs for a substantial part February to March, but begins to in­ vary during the year according to the of the year and because the ban on crease in June and is at its peak during reproductive cycle, water temperature, taking berried females was being con­ November and December (Table 5). and the strength and direction of cur­ stantly violated, the capture, transpor­ Full-scale commercial crabbing begins rents. A knowledge of the area and the tation, and marketing of all females was in August or September and most of the habits of the centolla the fisher­ prohibited in 1973. catch is landed between August and men to place their traps in the best The only other major fishing restric­ February. During 1984, for example, places for harvest. The steep underwater tion is that the crabs can only be caught about 80 percent of the catch was landed terrain in many places is also a factor by traps. Since 1980, the use of tangle in those months. In recent years the fish­ which must be considered. If the traps nets has been prohibited. Chilean offi­ ermen have been fishing more during are not set carefully on a relatively level cials, however, are concerned about the the off season (February to May). While site, many of them will land upside­ enforcement of these regulations, espe­ still low, catches during this period have down or on their sides, resulting in little cially in the more remote areas. Offi­ been increasing (Table 5). Many fisher­ or no catch. The traps are usually left cials believe, for example, that a large men, however, report that the condition in place for 2 days and then retrieved. number of tangle nets are still illegally of the crabs, especially during April is If the catch is good, the traps are re­ employed. Other restrictions are occa­ inferior and meat yields are lower. baited and set in the same place; if the sionally enforced such as area closures. catch is small, they are relocated. Fish­ Fishing in the Porvenir area, for exam­ Argentina ermen consider three or four crabs in ple, was closed from October 1981 to The Argentine Government changed a pot after 2 days to be a good catch. October 1985 because of the heavy fish­ the legal season and other regulations ing effort there since the beginning of repeatedly throughout the 1970's. The Regulations the fishery. continued changes reportedly confused The Chilean Government is current­ fishermen, many of whom allegedly ig­ Chile ly preparing a new management plan for nored the regulations, as well as en­ Chilean officials first set fishing regu­ centolla. The major objectives of the forcement agents who were hesitant to lations for centolla in 1934, although proposed plan are to: 1) Reduce the risk take action against violators. The result these apparently were not based on any was that by 1979 the traditional fishery scientific investigation of the species' 'Measured from the orbit of the eye to the extreme in the Beagle Channel showed signs of life cycle. Since those early regulations, lower half of the thorax. overfishing and the area was closed

48(2), 1986 55 4,000 BOO

700

3,000 600

-c 500 ~ 0 .L: u 2.000 TI 400 ro :J () "0 a:0 300 1.000 200

100

0 1970 72 74 76 7B 80 Year

Figure 4.-The South American centolla catch, 1970-84, in metric Figure 5.-Chilean centolla processing, 1970-84. tons.

from August 1979 to January 1981. The dropped sharply in 1980 (Table 1). The 1984 Argentine catch was 200 t, a Government passed a new resolution in Chilean sources report that the catch 10 percent increase over the 180 t taken 1981, based on a 2-year study by declines from 1980 to 1982 are the result in 1983. Much of the Argentine total is INIDEP, which prohibited the taking of of a combination of factors, primarily actually caught by Chilean fishermen centolla in the Beagle and Moat Chan­ the fishermen reducing their effort as working aboard Argentine vessels. nels from 1 October to 31 December listed below4 , as demand and prices each year. The resolution also limited declined. Processing the number of traps allowed in the area The Chilean commercial centolla at anyone time to 1,000. Argentina, like fishery began in 1928. Initially, the pro­ cessing plants operated only from Octo­ Chile, also totally prohibited the taking Chile's centolla fishing ef· of females and set 12 cm as the mini­ fort. 1979-1984. ber to December and were closed the

mum legal size for males. Thousand rest of the year. The industry developed Season traps slowly until the 1950's. Most of the Catch 1979-19BO 1,444 catch was initially canned and marketed 1980-1981 649 1981-1982 734 domestically. During the 1960's, freez­ Chile 1982-1983 824 ing plants were opened. Today most of Chilean centolla catches are at near 1983-1984 1,172 the plants operate all year. The major record-high levels. Chilean fishermen processing center is located at Punta harvested about 2,750 t of centolla in Arenas in the Strait of Magellan. A 1984, about the same quantity harvested In 1980 the catch was primarily mar­ smaller processing center is also located in 1983 (Fig. 4), but substantially more keted canned in Europe and the Chilean at Puerto Chacabuco for the small than in 1982 and earlier years. The fishermen reduced their effort when the northern fishery. Processors report a Chilean catch began expanding in 1974, European market collapsed in 1980. The meat recovery rate of about 22 percent reaching a peak of 2,300 t (the previous opening of a new market for frozen of live weight (about the same as Alas­ record) in 1979. Catches increased as product in the United States has enabled kan king crab). Most of the meat is fishermen intensified fishing efforts and fishermen to resume extensive fishing packed by hand to take advantage of the expanded intO new grounds. Initially, and set new records since 1982. low labor rates. The meat is either the fishery had been conducted almost frozen or packed in cans that vary from exclusively in the Straits of Magellan. Argentina 110 to 240 g net weight. The frozen Beginning in 1974, fishermen also began The Argentine catch historically has product is available as mixed meat, to deploy traps in several new areas: been low compared with Chile's. In white meat, legs, claws, clawmeat, and Beagle Channel, 1974; Cape Horn Ar­ 1978, Argentina landed a record 370 t, whole. chipelago, 1976; Ano Nuevo Inlet, 1979; but the catch has subsequently declined. There have been sharp fluctuations in Nelson Strait, 1980; and the Trinidad processing patterns. Almost all of the Channel, 1982. catch was canned until 1976 (Fig. 5). 'Source: Beatriz Hernandez, "Southern King Even though fishermen expanded Crab, Lithodes antarcticus, of the Magellan Re­ Frozen production exceeded 100 t for fishing to new grounds, the catch gion, Chile," Instituto de Fomento Pesquero, 1985. the first time in 1977. After a collapse

56 Marine Fisheries Review in the traditional European market for Table 5.-Chilean centolla exports by value (1970-84) and volume (1978-84). canned Chilean centolla in 1980, Value ($US million) Quantity (t)

Chilean companies turned to the U.S. Year Frozen Canned Total' Fresh Frozen Canned Total' market and as a result increased produc­ 1970 $0.1 tion of frozen centolla. Frozen produc­ 1971 0.1 1972 Neg!. tion exceeded canned production for the 1973 Neg!. first time in 1981. In 1984, frozen pro­ 1974 0.2 1975 0.6 duction totaled almost 530 t, about 90 1976 1.5' percent of total Chilean centolla produc­ 1977 3.0' 1978 3.6' 206' NA tion. 1979 $0.8 33 73 757 830 Quality standards in Chile can vary 1980 42 240 282 1981 9 62 149 220 widely. Chilean companies have 1982 4.8 1.4 $6.1 361 137 498 1983 7.9 1.4 9.3 554 81 635 had more difficulty meeting U.S. stan­ 1984 5.9 1.4 7.4 443 84 527 dards than companies of any other Latin 'Totals may not agree due to rounding. American country. However, most of the 21ncludes some other crabs. major companies packing centolla are Source: SERNAP, "Anuario Estadistico de Pesca," 1978-84. now producing a good quality product and today very little centolla is detained by U.S. customs authorities. Some U.S. Table 7,-Chile's frozen and canned centoila exports, in metric tons, by country of destination, 1981-84'. importers have helped the Chilean com­ 1981 1982 1983 1984 panies to improve their quality stan­ Country Frozen Canned Total Frozen Canned Total Frozen Canned Total Frozen Canned Total dards. In recent years, however, Chilean U.S. 38.3 38.3 239.8 11.4 251.2 305.0 NA NA 290.6 19.4 3100 officials have expressed concern over France 2.5 80.4 82.9 82.5 82.5 32.5 NA NA 71.3 37.1 108.4 the proliferation of small new com­ U.K. 24.8 24.8 34.1 10.7 44.8 67.7 67.7 13.7 0.2 13.9 panies created to process the increasing Italy 22.1 22.1 14.3 24.2 38.5 7.0 8.9 15.9 catch of centolla. Officials are con­ Nether­ lands 25.2 25.2 42.0 10.2 522 cerned that the processing facilities of Germany NA NA 12.3 5.1 17.4 these companies are often relatively Argen­ tina 12.7 0.5 13.2 primitive and that quality standards are Mexico 10.9 10.9 Belgium 4.0 1.6 5.6 41.1 2.8 43.9 36.6 NA NA 23.8 9.7 33.5 virtually nonexistent. Most buyers over­ Brazil 5.2 5.2 come this problem by inspecting both Other 4.4 3.7 8.1 6.9 4.9 11.8 4.6 NA NA 16.2 2.4 18.6 the product and the processing plant Total 61.8 149.1 211.1 361.4 136.6 497.9 554.4 81.0 635.4 476.9 92.9 569.9 before making purchases. 'Source: PROCHILE, unpUblished statistics, and Servicio Nacional de Pesca, "Anuario Estadistico de Pesca," 1983 Several major companies process and (1983 canned data). Totals may not agree due to rounding, and discrepancies with U.S. and other Chilean trade statistics market centolla in Chile, and only a few (Table 6) are unexplained. NA ~ Not available. operate their own fishing vessels. In­ stead, most have large vessels that travel throughout the major fishing areas and purchase the catch of artisanal fisher­ chase 55 vessels to supply its process­ totaled nearly 530 t (product weight) men who keep their catch alive in hold­ ing operations. valued at $7.4 million (Table 6). ­ ing cages until they can be sold. The The Argentine centolla fishery is ments declined in 1984, probably be­ largest company dedicated to the cap­ strictly artisanal, and virtually no infor­ cause of a corresponding catch decline. ture and processing of centolla appears mation is available on its centolla pro­ The industry has still not surpassed the to be a newly formed enterprise, Pes­ cessing facilities. Three companies record export level of 830 t reported in quera Esmeralda5, which was founded located in Ushuaia process most of the 1979. Most exports are now shipped in 1984. The company claims that its catch, but a few additional companies frozen. In 1984, frozen shipments processing plant, near Punta Arenas, is involved in the processing of other sea­ totaled 443 t, compared with only 84 t the most modern in South America. The food products also process a limited of canned product. plant includes a complete factory trans­ amount of centolla. The markets and presentation of ported from Alaska for the processing Chilean centolla have undergone drama­ of centolla, as well as other crabs. As Exports tic changes since 1980. European coun­ mentioned, the company has received tries (especially France) were the tradi­ funds from CORFU and the IDB to pur­ Chile tional market for centolla, purchasing The Chilean centolla industry de­ more than half of the centolla exported pends primarily on the export market; from Chile between 1972 and 1981, 'Mention of trade names or commercial firms does not imply endorsement by the National Marine only about 25 percent of the catch is mostly canned product. Fisheries Service, NOAA. marketed domestically. Exports in 1984 However, the European market for

48(2), 1986 57 canned centolla collapsed in 1980. Large UNITED STATES Table 8.-U.S. crab imports' from Chile, inventories of unsold centolla developed 1977-84. and Chilean companies were forced to Quantity (t) seek new markets. Exporters reported Year Frozen Canned Total good prospects in the United States. 1977 190.4 190.4 1978 170.2 10.3 180.5 Sales increased sixfold in only I year, 1979 173.6 0.5 174.1 from less than 40 t in 1981 to over 250 1980 24.4 24.4 1981 53.4 53.4 tin 1982 (Tables 7 and 8). The United 1982 176.2 11.3 187.5 States is now Chile's most important 1983 415.4 3.9 419.3 customer for centolla. Purchases totaled 1984 532.9 16.7 549.6 'Estimated at about 70·75 percent centolla. 310 t valued at over $4 million in 1984, Discrepancy with other tables is unexplained. more than half of Chile's total centolla Source: U.S. Department of Commerce. exports of nearly 570 tons (Fig. 6)6. NETHERLANDS Most of the centolla marketed in the United States is frozen. The European market, especially France, continues to Figure 6.-Chile's centolla exports (total = 570 t) by country of destina­ crab) and not Lithodes (centolla and be important, but much less so than tion, 1984. before 1980. Demand in Europe has also golden king crab). A major U.S. sea­ shifted toward frozen centolla, and in food company has filed a petition with 1984 all important European importers the FDA to change the ruling. (except Italy) were ordering more fro­ Argentina 6Available Chilean export data (Table 7) does not agree with U.S. import data in Table 8. The reason zen than canned centolla. The marketing As stated, most of the production for this discrepancy is unknown, but could relate of centolla in the United States may be from Argentina's traditional centolla to various factors such as the time difference be­ tween shipment and receipt, losses in transit, and affected by the U.S. Food and Drug Ad­ fishery is consumed locally; very little detentions. The problem is further complicated ministration's decision not to allow cen­ is exported. U.S. imports of all crab because U.S. import statistics do not list centolla tolla to be labeled as king crab, having products (including centolla) from separately, but include it in a larger crab and category. Observers believe that about 70-75 decided that the term applies only the Argentina in 1984 was less than 4 tons. percent of U.S. Chilean crab imports is centolla. Paralithodes (Alaskan red king (Source: IFR-8517l).

Brazilian Fisheries, 1984-85 ing methods and gear. Domestic con­ statistical tables with catch, processing, sumption of fishery products is also low, and export data. u.s. companies can ob­ The Brazilian is a about 7.2 kg per capita in 1984, less than tain a copy for $9.95 (personal checks relatively small sector of the national half of the world average of about 16.0 or money orders) by ordering report economy, representing only about 0.2 kg. Business opportunities for U.S. PB-86-152469/GBA from NTIS, Spring­ percent of the gross domestic product. companies are limited, primarily be­ field, VA 22161 and adding a $3.00 pro­ Brazil exported a record $180 million cause of restrictive Brazilian import cessing fee for each . (Source: worth of fishery products (mostly regulations. Some opportunities do ex­ IFR-86/12 NTIS.) and ) in 1984, a 30 per­ ist, however, for certain types of vessels, cent increase over 1983 shipments, but specialized equipment, and research still less than 1 percent of the country's devices. Other opportunities exist for total exports. The Brazilian fisheries U.S. companies leasing vessels and catch has grown steadily in recent years, entering into joint ventures with Brazil­ Note: Unless otherwise credited, material in this section is from either the Foreign reaching nearly 1.0 million metric tons ian fishing companies. Fishery Information Releases (FFIR) com­ in 1984, about 85 percent of which was The U.S. Embassy in Brasilia has pre­ piled by Sunee C. Sonu, Foreign Report­ taken in marine waters. pared a 40-page report reviewing ing Branch, Fishery Development Divi­ sion, Southwest Region, National Marine About 3.3 million people out of Bra­ 1984-85 fishery developments. The Fisheries Service, NOAA, Terminal zil's population of 130 million depend report surveys important species (cat­ Island, CA 9

58 Marine Fisheries Review The Chilean Fishery and Its Development

Introduction E. superba, the principal species (Fig. 1), has been the subject of extensive Chile is one of five countries which scientific study in recent years because has developed a commercial krill fish­ of the vast that has been esti­ ery. The Chilean Government believes mated by various researchers. Krill is that the country's small widely recognized as the world's most could become an important part of the abundant potential marine food source. fishing industry in the next 10 years and Most published estimates of krill is projecting export earning of $50-70 populations suggest a standing stock of million by 1995. 120-200 million t, with about 150 IFOP, the Chilean Instituto de Fomen­ million t being the figure most common­ to Pesquero (a government fisheries ly used. development corporation), first began to Various authors provide estimates as Figure 2.-Chilean Antarctic claim. research the possibility of fishing Ant­ high as 800 million t and one Soviet arctic krill in 1974. Since then, two scientist (Moiseev, 1970) estimated Japanese companies have established 5,000-7,500 million t. Another Soviet subsidiaries in Chile which have begun scientist (Lyubimova, 1973), 3 years krill catch figures are based on primary to catch and export krill. The 1983 catch later estimated krill stocks at about 800 productivity estimates and thus only totaled only about 5,000 metric tons (t), million tons. More recently some re­ rough estimates of the potential yield but Chilean officials believe that catches searchers have calculated a standing from the fishery. While potential could be greatly increased and that krill stock far below the commonly accepted harvests cannot be forecast with any could eventually become a major 120-200 million t estimate. The valid­ precision, the available estimates do Chilean fishery. While the resource to ity of these lower estimates, however, suggest the possibility of substantially support such a fishery does exist, a has been questioned and they have not increasing the world's fisheries produc­ market for large quantities of krill prod­ yet been published. tion. Chilean officials report that a large ucts has not yet been developed. However, a stock of 120-200 million proportion of the biomass t could probably support annual catches tends to occur in the area of the Antarc­ Species of at least 40-50 million t, which could tic claimed by Chile, long. 53 °-90oW Six species of krill are found in the substantially increase the total world (Fig. 2). Antarctic: Euphasia crystallorophias, fisheries catch. The world catch of all Antarctic krill measures about 4-5 em E. jrigida, E. superba, E. triacantha, species, for example, was only about 83 in length and weighs about 1.0-1.2 g. Re­ E. vallentini, and Thionessa macrura. million tons in 1984. These potential searchers have found that krill schools are very dense, up to 12 kg/m3, and sometimes cover vast areas in dense swarms. Dense krill schools often con­ gregate in the upper 100 m of the , especially near the surface. Daily vertical movements have also been observed, probably associated with feeding patterns. One of the key un­ answered questions about krill is how long it lives. Some researchers believe that E. superba may reach sexual maturity at about 2 years and live a total

This news article, IFR-86/10, was written by Dennis Weidner, Foreign Affairs Officer, NMFS Office of International Fisheries, Washington, DC Figure I.-The Antarctic krill, E. superba. 20235.

48(2), 1986 59 of 4-6 years, although some estimates Table l.-Chile·s krill research expedilions, 1975-85. suggest life spans as long as 8 years'. Agency Vessel Captain Chief scientist Dates

Krill is found at depths ranging from IFOP Valparaiso Osvaldo Gonzalez Oscar Guzman January-February 1975 10 to 250 m. It is usually caught with IFOP Arosa Septimo Constantino Fiusa Oscar Guzman May-June 1976 IFOP Arosa Septimo Constantino Fiusa Oscar Guzman September-October 1976 midwater trawls with small mesh. Fish­ INACH' Itzumi Aldo Pedrini Oscar Guzman January-February 1981 ing is very difficult, however, because INACH' Capitan Alazar Manuel Lagunas Patricio Eberhard January-February 1984 INACH' Capitan Alazar Manuel Lagunas Patricio Eberhard January-February 1985 of the distance from important popula­ 'Conducted as part of FIBEX; INACH = Inslituto Antartico Chilena. tion centers and the severe climatic con­ 'Conducted as part of SIBEX I. ditions. Handling the krill is also dif­ 'Conducted as part of SIBEX II. ficult because krill is very perishable. It has highly active digestive which will rapidly break down the flesh unless the catch is processed within 3-4 krill research project (Programa Krill) Table 2.-World calch of Anlarclic krill, 1980-85. hours of capture. Even at cold Antarc­ from 1974 to 1976 which included Ant­ Catch (1,000 t) tic temperatures, fishermen have to be arctic fishing expeditions. The first Nation 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 careful not to allow the krill to pile up Chilean expedition in 1975 deployed the U.S.S.R. 440.7 420.4 491.7 180.3 74.4 over 0.3 m or heat will build up and research vessel Valparaiso and landed Japan 37.8 27.8 35.2 42.5' 49.6' 40.0E'·' Rep. of spoil the krill in a matter of only a few 60 t of krill. IFOP made two more Korea 1.4 2.0 2.7 minutes. Krill used for inedible products cruises in 1976 using the Arosa Septimo Chile 0.5 4.9 1.6 2.8E 0.2 0.4 such as meal can be held for longer (Table 1). Peeling machinery was tested France Negl. periods, but even that krill should be on the ship and ashore. Total' 478.7 448.3 528.8 230.0 128.3 NA processed within 10-12 hours. It is there­ The krill taken during these cruises 'This data differs from a report in the Suisan-Keisai, 8 fore critical to develop procedures to was used for extensive studies by IFOP November 1985, which reported 32,000 I for the 1983-84 quickly process the catch. This can and the Universidad Catolica de Val­ season, 20,400 t for 1984-85, and 25.950 t planned for 1985-86, perhaps because their figures represent krill weight prove extremely difficult as catch rates paraiso which developed various edible a~er processing, excluding that portion of the catch reduced can be extraordinarily high, as much as products. Those products developed by to krill meal. 'E = Estimated from 1982-85 total published in Chile Pes­ 8 t in 5 minutes. Average catch rates are IFOP included breaded products, em­ ~uero. December 1985; NA = Not Available. Precise data is not available. but most published sources about 70 t per day. panadas, and krill fingers, hamburgers, suggest the catch declined in 1985. croquettes, sausages, minces, and "Totals may not agree due to rounding. Research pastes. Some of these products were Krill has been the object of scientific subsequently test-marketed in Chile. study for more than half a century. The IFOP also distributed batter-dipped krill two major fishing countries, the Soviet sticks in 1977 at a trade fair in Germany on King George Island, within the Union and Japan, have each spent over (FRG). IFOP determined that a com­ Chilean territorial claim. It is believed $200 million studying krill. Serious in­ mercial krill fishery was economically that the Chinese are primarily con­ formation gaps, however, still exist. The feasible with existing technology and at­ cerned with ocean minerals, but some most significant gaps include: The rela­ tempted to tum the results of its research research on krill may be also conducted. tionship between currents, surface rings, over to Chilean investors in 1976 and and krill distribution; the biology of all 1977, but was unable to find a company Catches krill species; feeding habits; spawning willing to make the necessary invest­ IFOP's research work in 1974-76 was areas; life history; ; and the ments. not immediately followed by a commer­ role of krill in the Antarctic The Chilean Antarctic Institute cial fishery. Development of an actual . (INACH) resumed krill research in krill fishery did not begin until a CORFO, the Chilean Corporacion de 1981. INACH carried out three more Chilean subsidiary of a Japanese fishing Fomento de la Produccion (Corporation cruises, using the Itzumi (1981) and the company launched an exploratory cruise to Promote Production), through its Capitan Alazar (1984 and 1985). These in 1982 which landed about 500 t. The fisheries subsidiary, IFOP, conducted a cruises were conducted as part of the in­ company followed up with a first com­ ternational research programs con­ mercial fishing in 1983 and landed about 'A good summary of available information on the ducted in the Antarctic, the First Inter­ 4,900 tons, making Chile the world's biology of Antarctic species, including krill, is 1. national Biomass Experiment (FIBEX) third leading krill fishing country in that L. Bengtson's "Review of Information Regarding and the Second International Biomass year after the and Japan the Conservation of Living Resources of the Ant­ arctic Marine Ecosystem," Univ. Minn., July 1978 Experiment (SIBEX) (Table 1). (Table 2). Chilean companies reduced (currently being updated). The major review of Chile cooperates with several coun­ fishing effort in 1984 and the krill catch krill biology is 1. W. S. Marr's "The Natural declined to only 1,600 t, dropping Chile History and Geography of the Antarctic Krill (E. tries on Antarctic research. , superba)," Discovery Rep. 32:33-464. Another which wishes to establish a claim to to fourth place in the world krill fishery monograph summarizing the krill potential is 1. Antarctic activities, has recently ap­ (Table 2). The decline reportedly re­ D. Kaylor and R. L. Learson's "Krill and Its Utilization: A Review," NOAA Tech. Rep. NMFS proached Chile concerning cooperative sulted primarily from company deci­ SSRF 769, July 1983, 10 p. research. China has a research station sions adjusting fishing effort to existing

60 Marine Fisheries Review market demand and not from the avail­ Table 3.-Chlle's production and exports of Antarctic cessing krill. CORFO Deputy Director, krill products by commodity, 1982-84. ability of the resource. The Japanese Brigadier Fernando Hormazabal, inaug­ companies which market the Chilean Produclion (1,000 I) Exports (1,000 I) urated the seminar and stressed the im­ catch were concerned that the market Year Frozen Meal Tolal Frozen Meal Total portance of krill in Chile's overall Ant­ could not absorb too large a catch which 1982 0.4 Neg!. NA NA NA arctic policy. 1983 2.9 0.2 3.1 2.3 0.1 2.4 might cause a sharp price decline. 1984 1.4 1.4 1.3 0.1 1.4 Press reports suggest that Chile in­ Marketing Source: Servicio Nacional de Pesca. "Annuario Estadistico creased krill catches to an estimated de Pesca." 1982·84. NA = Not available. Chile is the leading fishing country 2,800 t in 1985. Precise 1985 data, how­ in Latin America. While most of the ever, was not yet available for the other catch is reduced to fishmeal, a wide countries fishing krill but unconfirmed variety of high-quality seafood products reports suggested that Chile probably Table 4.-Japan·s frozen krill pro­ is available to Chilean consumers. As a continued its fourth place ranking. Press duction by commodity, 1984-86. result, Chile has one of the highest reports also suggested that in 1986 or AmI. (1,000 t) levels of seafood consumption in Latin 1987, a fifth country, Poland, would Commodily 1984·85 1985·86 America, 15.8 kg per capita (live weight enter the Antarctic krill fishery. IFOP Whole equivalent), about the same as in the officials believe that Chile's small catch Raw 15.7 15.6P' United States. Chilean companies will Boiled 4.2 7.3P could easily be increased to 100,000 t, Peeled 0.5 3.1 P thus find it difficult to introduce krill or more, during the next 10 years, based Tolal 20.4 26.0 into the Chilean market unless they can only on catches off the Antarctic Penin­ develop an unusually attractive product ' p = Planned. sula south of Chile and Argentina. IFOP or one that is very inexpensive. Small projects that a catch of about 1.0-1.5 quantities probably could be sold in million t could eventually be possible. some of the product forms developed by Almost the entire Chilean catch is sidiary of Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd. IFOP, but any commercial success frozen whole aboard the vessel (Table (NSK) and Nichiro Chile is a subsidiary would necessitate reducing the cost of 3). Actual procedures of the Chilean of Nichiro Gyogyo Kaisha Ltd. (NGK). producing krill. subsidiaries are unknown, but they The two Chilean subsidiaries have each This limited domestic potential and probably follow the pattern of the Japa­ deployed a factory vessel in the fishery the country's small population (about 12 nese vessels active in the fishery. The and have a combined work force of 150 million, 1985 data) suggest that only Japanese primarily process whole employees. EMDEPES began the com­ limited quantities of edible krill products frozen krill. Most is frozen raw, but an mercial fishery in 1983 and was fol­ can be marketed domestically. Local increasingly large percentage is being lowed by Nichiro Chile in 1984. The observers note, however, that Chile has boiled first. The Japanese are also in­ two companies normally deploy their begun to develop a culture in­ creasing the production of peeled krill vessels in the fishery for hake and other dustry. Although current salmon pro­ (Table 4). The meal is produced from demersal species off southern Chile, but duction is small (about 600 t in 1985), krill which is not in good enough con­ for 2 months during the Antarctic sum­ the country's potential is much larger. dition to process as an edible product mer, one or two vessels are deployed for Chile has the potential to build a size­ and the offal which results from peel­ krill. able industry based on ing the krill. salmon and several other species. As Government Promotion this industry develops, a market may Companies IFOP has been promoting Chile's krill grow in Chile for fish feed made from Chile's krill fishery has been devel­ fishery since 1974. At the request of the krill. oped by subsidiaries of two Japanese Chilean Government, IFOP has devised The primary market for any major companies2 . Press reports in the late a strategy for developing a large krill Chilean krill fishery would have to be 1970's suggested that various Japanese fishery by 1991. As part of that strategy, in foreign countries, especially in Japan. and European countries (France, Spain, IFOP has prepared investment studies Both EMDEPES and Nichiro Chile cur­ and others) were considering invest­ to provide interested foreign companies rently export their entire krill catch to ments in Chile to develop a krill fish­ details on the feasibility of investing in Japan. The market for krill in Japan, ery, but only the Japanese have pursued the krill fishery. IFOP held a seminar however, is just beginning to develop. the opportunity. The two Chilean on "Chile and the Fishery for Antarc­ NSK, for example, has developed more subsidiaries of Japanese companies cur­ tic Krill" during October 1985. The than 40 different krill products, but sales rently fishing krill are: Empresa de seminar was attended by various have reportedly been poor. Both Chilean Desarrollo Pesquero (EMDEPES) and Chilean Government and private in­ companies export the krill whole with­ Nichiro Chile. EMDEPES is a sub­ dustry specialists and dealt with: Chile's out processing it in Chile (Table 3). Antarctic program; international legal They receive about $350 per ton. The problems; climatic, oceanographic, and krill is then processed in Japan into 'Mention of trade names or commercial fIrms does not imply endorsement by the National Marine biological factors; and technical and various edible products. One Japanese Fisheries Service, NOAA. economic aspects of fishing and pro­ executive believes that current krill

48(2), 1986 61 prices could drop as much as 35 per­ enhance the red color of the flesh of Table 5.-Japan's krill supply and fishing effort, cent unless the companies involved care­ salmon and other species which makes 1983-86. fully limit production of both domestic the harvested fish more marketable to Supply (1,000 I) and Antarctic krilJ3. Japanese com­ color-conscious Japanese consumers. Item 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 panies have been carefully monitoring IFOP officials report that Chile ex­ Antarctic krill Catch 32.0 20.4 30.0P' inventories and market demands. As a ported 2,000 t of krill worth $1 million Imports result, those companies reduced pur­ in 1983, although shipments declined in Chile 3.5 1.2 1.2P Korea 1.5 Negl. chases in both Chile and Korea during 1984. Officials believe that shipments U.S.S.R. Negl. Negl. the 1984-85 season (Table 5). could be increased to $50-70 million in Inventory 8.0 20.0 12.0P Most of Japan's krill is marketed 1995. Increases of that magnitude, how­ Domestic krill frozen (Table 4) in both edible and in­ ever, will depend on the development of Catch 65.0 50.0 NA Inventory 15.0 20.0 20.0P edible forms. Data on consumption by krill products in Japan and other export commodity is not available, but uncon­ markets. A great deal more product and Total supply 125.0 111.6 NA firmed reports suggest that most of the market development will have to take Effort: No. of krill is utilized to produce inedible place before the Chilean fishery can ex­ trawlers 10 7 9P products. pand along the lines projected by IFOP. 'P = Planned. NA = Not available. Currently, the use of krill for many Edible Products product forms is not possible because The major edible krill products are of the high fishing costs, low meat primarily frozen whole krill, peeled and yields, and lack of suitable products for $6.0 million for the factory vessel and dried krill meats in shrimp-like presen­ the offal. Until more progress is made $0.7 million for working capital. Since tations, and a small quantity of paste. in these areas, significantly increased krill fishing is only possible for about A small boiled shrimp (sagura-ebi) is krill fishing is unlikely. The Soviet 5 or 6 months each year (November to popular in Japan, and krill is being mar­ Union and Japan, the two major krill April or May), krill ventures require keted as a less expensive substitute. Nip­ fishing countries, have reduced their alternative fisheries for the rest of the pon Suisan has reportedly begun to can fishing effort. The Soviet Union sharp­ year. Two possible alternatives for krill krill for Japan's school lunch program. ly reduced krill catches in 1983 and fishing operations off the southern coast Japan has also done considerable re­ 1984. Unconfirmed reports suggest that of South America include cephalopod search on using krill to make or the Soviets reduced their fishing effort fishing off Argentina or fish­ a solvent extracted concentrate for a variety of reasons: The retirement ing off Chile. The two existing Chilean (marine beef), but these projects are still of many older vessels, low demand for krill companies currently participate in at the research level. Unconfirmed such edible krill products as pastes, the trawl fishery for demersal species reports suggest that there is increasing quality control problems including high off southern Chile. Chilean fishermen, interest in edible krill products in Japan. chlorine levels in krill products, and however, have begun to criticize the complications in the use of krill meal Government's policy of allowing foreign Inedible Products for feed 4 . The Japanese reduced companies to participate in the southern The major inedible products are fro­ their fishing effort during the 1984-85 trawl fishery, so new significant demer­ zen krill and meal for fish feed. One un­ season, but were planning to increase sal allocations for foreign fishermen are confirmed report indicates that more effort during the 1985-86 season (Table unlikely. than half of Japan's krill catch is mar­ 5). Japanese observers report that the Chile would like to attract foreign in­ keted frozen for fish feed in Japan's ex­ companies involved are only beginning vestors to help fund new companies to panding aquaculture industry or for bait to develop edible krill products and they catch and process krill. IFOP has pre­ in Japan's popular recreational fishery. are concerned that an over supply of pared a feasibility study on krill fishing Meal produced from krill is used for krill could cause prices to decline pre­ and has advertised for interested foreign fish feed. Krill meal reportedly com­ cipitiously, especially given the limited companies with capital and technologi­ mands high prices. The demand for krill size of the existing market. cal capabilities. fish feed is likely to increase as most observers believe that Japan's aquacul­ Economic Factors New Development Law ture industry is likely to continue ex­ IFOP believes that the development of The Chilean Government enacted a panding for the foreseeable future. Krill Chile's krill fishery will probably rely new law (Number 18,392) on 14 January has proven a valuable dietary supple­ primarily on importing used factory 1985 to promote economic development ment for species such as salmon, sea trawlers. The cost of initiating a krill south of the Straits of Magellan. The law bream, and kuruma shrimp. Caroten­ fishing company is about $6.7 million, applies only to shore-based facilities oids in the krill, rich in vitamin A, also which are of little benefit to Chilean in­ 'The Soviets have noted a sharp decline in the vestors because companies would prob­ 3Press reports of 8 November 1985, quoted prices fecundity of pigs given feed with a high krill con­ ably follow the existing system of using of about ¥ lOO/kg domestic krill and ¥200/kg of tent. As a result they have reportedly restricted Antarctic krill; the U.S. dollar was then trading the use of krill meal to produce feeds for fur pro­ factory vessels and exporting whole for about ¥200. ducing animals. frozen krill without processing the catch

62 Marine Fisheries Review in Chile. The law could, however, ment measures which best satisfy their 1981 to a high of 49,600 t in 1984. Sev­ benefit Chilean companies which begin economic and/or political interest, as eral other countries reported experi­ to process krill in Chile. As the industry long as they are consistent with mental catches in the 1970's and 1980's, develops, it may be able to convince CCAMLR management objectives. but only the Soviet Union and Japan Government officials to modify the pro­ The Soviet Union and Japan (both have demonstrated significant, sustai.ned visions restricting the benefits of the law CCAMLR signatories) have been the operations. to onshore facilities. most active since the beginning of the Filippi Parada, Executive Secretary of fishery in 1976. Because historic rights the Chilean section of CCAMLR, is in­ Antarctic Convention are based on the Law of the Sea provi­ creasingly concerned over Chilean Chile has both a territorial claim in sions, if a quota-by-area system were rights to fish in Antarctic waters. He the Antarctic (D.S. 1,747, made 5 Nov. established, these two countries might believes that the Soviet and Japanese 1940) (Fig. 2) and is a signatory of the claim historic rights over important fish­ fishing efforts may be used to demon­ Convention for the Conservation of the ing areas within the Antarctic Conver­ strate historic krill fishing right~ in Antarctic Marine Living Resources gence. future negotiations over the Antarctic. (CCAMLR) which has as its primary The Soviets began fishing for krill in As a result, Chilean officials are con­ objective the conservation and rational 1961. Until 1983, the Soviets had been vinced that it is important for Chile to use of marine fauna within the Antarc­ catching over 400,000 t of krill annual­ establish a commercial krjJi fishery so tic Convergence. CCAMLR, through its ly, more than 90 percent of reported that it can also make a Case for historic Scientific Committee (SC) can establish world krill catches. Soviet catches, how­ fishing rights. Francisco Ramirez, Vice various resource management pro­ ever, declined to only 74,400 t in 1984 President of C0RFO, confirmed that the cedures (set quotas and area and gear (Table 2). Japanese fishermen have re­ Chilean fishery will "permit Chile to restrictions). Signatory CCAMLR ported a smaller, but more stable fishing solidly establish its claims of sovereignty countries can also unilaterally require pattern. Japanese catches.in the 1980's (in ~he Antarctic) ..." (Source: IFR­ their own fishermen to follow manage­ have varied from a low of 27,800 t in 86/70.)

Japan's 1985 Fish Production Second Highest on Record , with a catch of 4,242,000 t, followed by Alaska with Japan's annual landings of fisheries and large yellowfin (+17 percent), 1,511,000 t, and Pacific mackerel with and fish culture products for 1985 whereas sharp declines occurred in 779,000 t. Sardine, , and totaled 12,197,000 metric tons (t), a 5 rockfish (-33 percent), skipjack (- 29 Pacific mackerel together accounted for percent decline from the historical high percent), common (-28 percent), 57 percent of Japan's total marine fish­ landings of 12,793,000 t in 1984. Distant­ yellowtail (-20 percent), and bluefin eries catch for 1985. The landings by water and offshore fisheries production (-17 percent). The most important major fisheries and species are shown declined 8 and 6 percent, respectively, species landed in terms of quantity was in Tables 1 and 2. while inland fisheries production rose 3 percent. Production from ­ eries, marine culture, and inland culture Table 2.-Japan's marine fisheries catch by selected species, 1984-85. were relatively stable. By species, significant gains were re­ Catch (1,000 t) Catch (1,000 t) corded in the catches of (+43 Species 1984 1985 Species 1984 1985 percent), salmon (+36 percent), Tuna Cod Bluefin 36 30 Cod 114 136 64 59 Alaska pollock 1,621 1,511 Bigeye 131 148 Table 1.-Japan's catch by type of fishery 1979-85. Yellowfin, large 115 134 Subtotal 1,735 1,647 Yellowfin, small 19 20 Catch (1,000 t) Mackerel, Pacific 814 779 Subtotal 365 391 257 210 Fishery 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 Rockfish 15 10 Skipjack Hairtail 34 31 Marine fisheries Skipjack 446 316 Herring 7 10 Distant-water 2,066 2,167 2,165 2,089 2,127 2,263 2,077 Frigate mackerel 21 24 Red snapper 16 15 Offshore 5,458 5,705 5,939 6,070 6,433 6,937 6,547 Sardine 4,513 4,242 Coastal 1,953 2,037 2,038 2,072 2,137 2,281 2,283 Subtotal 467 340 Sandlance 164 128 Saury 210 243 Marine culture 883 992 960 938 1,060 1,107 1,083 49 48 Yellowtail 41 33 35 34 Squid, common 174 125 Inland fisheries 136 128 124 122 117 107 110 Salmon (exclud­ 43 40 ing ) 136 171 Shrimp 61 53 Inland culture 95 94 92 96 94 99 97 Salmon, pink 22 30 Mackerel, Jack 136 152 Total' 10,590 11,122 11,319 11,388 11,967 12,793 12,197 Mackerel, scad 98 73 Mackerel, Atka 66 68 'May not add due to rounding.

48(2), 1986 63