Subsecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Chile)
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| Subsecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Chile) | |
|---|---|
| Agency name | Subsecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Chile) |
| Nativename | Subsecretaría de Pesca y Acuicultura |
| Formed | 2009 |
| Preceding1 | Undersecretariat of Fisheries |
| Jurisdiction | Chile |
| Headquarters | Santiago, Chile |
| Minister1 name | Ministerio de Economía, Fomento y Turismo (oversight) |
| Chief1 name | Subsecretary |
| Parent agency | Ministry of Economy |
Subsecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Chile) is the Chilean executive office charged with implementing national policy on capture fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resource management. Established as part of institutional reforms in the early 21st century, the agency operates within the framework set by Chilean legislation and coordinates with regional and international bodies on issues ranging from stock assessment to artisanal fisheries support. It liaises with sectoral ministries, scientific institutes, and civil society organizations to regulate extraction, promote sustainable aquaculture, and administer permits.
History
The office emerged from reforms after high-profile debates involving Patricio Aylwin-era policymaking and later legislative action echoing concerns raised during the administrations of Michelle Bachelet and Sebastián Piñera. Rooted in precedents like the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and influenced by international instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and agreements negotiated within the Food and Agriculture Organization framework, the Subsecretariat was formalized to address overexploitation episodes similar to controversies surrounding jack mackerel and hake stocks. Institutional evolution involved interaction with regional authorities like the Intendencias and municipal bodies in the Valparaíso Region and Magallanes Region, and with research entities such as the Institute of Fisheries Development (IFOP) and universities including the University of Chile and Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.
Organization and Structure
The Subsecretariat's internal architecture mirrors public administration models used by agencies like the National Fishery and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA) and interacts with the Ministry of Economy, Development and Reconstruction (Chile). It comprises directorates for resource assessment, aquaculture oversight, legal affairs, and regional coordination, each liaising with specialized bodies such as the National Commission for the Environment (CONAMA) (predecessor institutions) and the Ministry of the Environment (Chile). Regional offices maintain ties to ports including Antofagasta, Puerto Montt, and Iquique, and coordinate with artisanal organizations like the National Federation of Fishermen of Chile and associations in Chiloé. Leadership appointments are political and administrative, involving nominations by the President of Chile and confirmation processes linked to the Chilean Congress.
Responsibilities and Functions
Core functions include quota setting and harvest regulation for species such as squid (Illex argentinus), salmon (via aquaculture licensing), anchoveta (Engraulis ringens), and crustaceans, alongside management of marine protected areas referenced in frameworks like the Chile's National System of Protected Wild Areas (SNASPE). The Subsecretariat issues permits, enforces zoning for aquaculture concessions, and coordinates stock assessments with IFOP and international bodies like the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. It provides technical support to artisanal communities represented in forums like the Regional Development Committees and participates in bilateral dialogues with neighboring states including Peru and Argentina over shared stocks and maritime delimitation agreements such as the legacy of disputes involving the Beagle Channel.
Policy and Regulatory Framework
Regulation is grounded in statutes enacted by the National Congress of Chile, such as fisheries and aquaculture laws that superseded earlier decrees, and is implemented through secondary regulations and technical resolutions. The Subsecretariat works within the constitutional order defined by the Political Constitution of the Republic of Chile and coordinates with judicial review by courts including the Supreme Court of Chile on administrative disputes. International commitments—e.g., obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity and trade-related measures negotiated with partners like the European Union—shape policy instruments including catch limits, environmental impact assessment requirements, and codes of conduct adopted from FAO guidelines.
Programs and Initiatives
Programs include stock recovery plans for depleted species, aquaculture development initiatives fostering species diversification (e.g., expansion of bivalve culture and alternative species to Atlantic salmon), and community-based management pilots in zones like Calbuco and Cochamó. The Subsecretariat sponsors research partnerships with institutions such as the University of Concepción and Universidad Austral de Chile, and funds capacity-building projects for artisanal fishers coordinated with UNEP-aligned technical assistance. Initiatives to mitigate impacts of climate variability engage with programs run by the National Center for Climate Services and disaster preparedness agencies like ONEMI.
Budget and Funding
Funding derives from allocations decided by the Chilean Congress in the national budget process and supplements from sectoral fees, concession charges, and occasionally international technical cooperation from actors like the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank. Budget lines are managed in coordination with the Ministry of Finance (Chile) and subject to audit by the Contraloría General de la República. Fiscal constraints have influenced prioritization between enforcement, scientific monitoring undertaken with IFOP, and subsidy programs supporting small-scale operators.
Controversies and Challenges
The Subsecretariat has faced controversies linked to perceived regulatory capture, debates over allocation of aquaculture concessions in regions such as Chiloé and Los Lagos Region, and conflicts between industrial actors represented by entities like the Chilean Salmon Industry Association and artisanal communities. Legal challenges have involved environmental impact assessments contested in the Environmental Court of Chile and public protests reflecting tensions evident during episodes comparable to earlier fisheries conflicts in Aysén Region. Ongoing challenges include addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing flagged by Marine Stewardship Council discourse, reconciling expansion of intensive aquaculture with biodiversity commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity, and adapting policy to climate-driven shifts in distributions exemplified by events studied by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.