What is the impact of the Chinese fishing fleet on the Humboldt squid population in Chile?

The presence of the Chinese fishing fleet has caused a sharp drop in Humboldt squid catches, a crucial resource for local small-scale fisheries in Chile, leading to concerns about the disruption of the species' natural migration and the overall ecosystem.

How has the Chinese fishing fleet's presence in Chile changed over time?

According to the article, the current scale of the Chinese fishing fleet near Chile is unprecedented, with a significant increase in the number of vessels docking at Chilean ports compared to previous years. This shift is believed to be linked to a change in the Asian fleet's route, as ships have started to use Chilean facilities amid tighter inspections in Peru.

What actions are Chilean authorities taking to address the concerns raised by the local fishing community?

Chilean authorities, including the Navy and the National Fisheries Service (Sernapesca), are conducting constant monitoring through satellite, aerial, and surface means to ensure no fishing activity is taking place within Chile's Exclusive Economic Zone. However, fishermen's unions are demanding stronger offshore surveillance and continuous monitoring of foreign vessels, arguing that the current resources are insufficient to effectively oversee the large fleet.

Home / Environment / Chinese Fishing Fleet Raises Alarm Over Illegal Fishing and Ecosystem Disruption in Chile

Chinese Fishing Fleet Raises Alarm Over Illegal Fishing and Ecosystem Disruption in Chile

10 Oct

•

Summary

Large Chinese fishing fleet operating near Chile's coast
Sharp drop in Humboldt squid catches, a vital resource for local fishermen
Concerns about disruption to the natural migration of the squid species

Chinese Fishing Fleet Raises Alarm Over Illegal Fishing and Ecosystem Disruption in Chile

As of October 11th, 2025, a significant Chinese fishing fleet has been operating just outside Chile's Exclusive Economic Zone, raising alarms among small-scale fishermen and maritime authorities. The presence of these vessels has led to a sharp decline in the catches of Humboldt squid, one of the most valuable resources for local fisheries in the region.

According to reports, the Chinese ships are disrupting the natural migration of the Humboldt squid towards the Chilean coast. A leader of the Iquique Fishermen's Federation stated that they have not seen any Humboldt squid for the past three months, describing the Chinese boats as "termites in the ecosystem."

The Chilean Navy has detected around 66 vessels off the coast of Iquique and more than 160 in transit between Arica and the northern border, all operating outside Chile's 200-nautical-mile exclusive limit. While the Maritime Authority claims no illegal fishing activity has been confirmed within Chile's Exclusive Economic Zone, fishermen's unions are demanding stronger offshore surveillance and continuous monitoring of foreign vessels.

Authorities have reported that as of September 30th, 2025, port officials had received 157 docking requests from foreign vessels, approving 139 and rejecting 18 for failing to meet requirements. However, fishermen argue that the Navy and the National Fisheries Service (Sernapesca) lack the resources to effectively oversee a fleet of more than 150 ships constantly moving in the area.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.