Area 87 (Pacific, Southeast)

The EU surface longline fleet has been concentrating efforts on the implementation of national and regional strategies for the conservation of their target species including measures such as minimizing incidental catches, collaborating with the scientific community, and finning bans.

In 2014, an MSC pre-assessment was conducted for all swordfish and blue shark stocks, and in 2016, the fishery was close to meeting the MSC standard for north and south Atlantic swordfish. Focus on improvements for all the fleet operations moved towards promoting the creation of a FIP for all swordfish (Xiphias gladius ) and blue shark (Prionace glauca ) stocks for the North and South Atlantic Ocean, the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

The industry community created the ANECTEAM association to work together with the EU surface longline fleet. ANECTEAM is focused on getting visibility and recognition from the consumers, raising public and environmental NGO opinions about efforts to boost sustainability, encouraging distribution chains to purchase the fishery's products, and increasing recognition at the international level of a sustainable industry and fleet that is allowed to trade in fins and shark meat. This FIP represents 4 shipowners' associations (90 % catches EU fleet), 12 supply chain companies (80 % UE), and 124 fishing vessels (95% of EU fishing vessels in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans).FIP BLUES - FIP BLUES

Due to their migratory nature and extensive distribution throughout several oceans, the management of swordfish and blue shark is carried out internationally by RFMOs (ICCAT, IOTC, IATTC, and WCPFC) through a system of catch totals (TAC).

In 2014 an MSC pre-assessment was conducted for all swordfish and blue shark stocks (5 stocks in different ocean´s). In 2016, the fishery was close to meeting the MSC standard for north and south Atlantic swordfish. Previously conducted, the scoring was updated in 2019.

The FIP Blues has been originally designed to be implemented in three oceans: Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian. The present FIP will start by implementing the actions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

The Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) is a slow-growing, long-lived demersal fish species (over 50 years) inhabiting the southern seas. In Chile, two management units have been established: (i) Artisanal Fishing Area (APA) from the Arica and Parinacota region to 47°S, and (ii) Bidded Fishing Unit (UPL) from 47°S to 57°S (preferably industrial with an auction regime), both extending from the coastline to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

This Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) will focus on the Artisanal Fishing Area (APA). The artisanal fleet operating within the APA conducts extensive latitudinal movements during extraction operations, undertaking long-term trips to harvest the resource using bottom longline fishing gear. Landings are regulated under the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), via Resolution EX No. 1469 / 2012 of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA).

The APA fishing unit is currently overexploited (SUBPESCA, 2024), with restricted access controls and limitations on the number of hooks per fishing trip.  Patagonian Toothfish Management Committee has been in session since 2015 but has yet to establish a Management Plan for this resource.

For 2025, SUBPESCA has set a total allowable catch (TAC) for the APA area at 2,257 tons, based on the ranges recommended by the Scientific Technical Committee on Deepwater Demersal Resources in October 2024.

The artisanal fishery of Patagonian Toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) with bottom longlines, is developed specifically in the area located between the parallel 47 ° LS to the northern limit of Chile, it is a relevant activity within the national fishing sector, being a resource of high value, destined for export to very demanding markets.

In this area, exploitation began in the late 70s, and due to the length restrictions of the regulations, it was developed as a preferably artisanal activity, which caused restrictions for obtaining fishing information and possibilities of embarking observers.
Currently, the destination markets are raising the demands for sustainability and traceability of the products, to which the Patagonian Toothfish is not exempt, and in order to maintain competitiveness it must advance in improvements. This particular FIP hopes to contribute to improving the representativeness of data obtained in fishing operations and management procedures, supporting the development of management measures and strategies. It also aims to contribute to the improvements needed to maintain the quality and traceability of catches.

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) fishing season in the Southeast Pacific runs from March through October, following the natural migration of the species from the southern to the northern waters of Chile. The fisheries handle approximately 7,000 metric tons of swordfish each season. The fish are caught using gillnets, which follow the regulation of Gillnets in the Swordfish Fishery (R. Nº 1307-08) and the Mitigation Measures and Handling Protocols for the Reduction of Incidental Marine Mammal Bycatch established by the government (Res. Ex. N° 3122-202). The nets can extend up to 2 kilometers in length. The fleet is artisanal, no larger than 18 meters, and typically spends 10 to 15 days at sea searching for the catch. Many vessels have ice-making machines to keep the swordfish fresh throughout the voyage.

The swordfish fishery is vital to Chile’s coastal communities. It benefits local economies, preserves cultural heritage, and provides essential jobs by maintaining traditional fishing practices passed down through generations; the fishery also plays a crucial role in preserving cultural traditions while offering the country a sustainable source of protein. The swordfish fishery is also a primary source of income for the fishermen, supporting hundreds of families. It fosters skill development, with seasoned fishermen passing their expertise on to the younger generation.

Beyond fishing, the industry creates hundreds of jobs in processing, logistics, and management. Workers acquire diverse skills across the value chain, contributing to the economic stability of local families and encouraging further investment and growth within the sector.

The swordfish fishery supports local families and drives further investment and growth across the sector. It sustains numerous businesses and creates employment opportunities for both men and women in fishing, processing, and related industries. International trade connects fishermen to global markets, enhancing their livelihoods. Strict regulations enforced by the Chilean Navy and the National Fisheries Authority (Sernapesca) have improved safety and working conditions, ensuring responsible and sustainable practices. Currently, all the scores for Management Quality and Stock Health on FishSource are ≥6

To further improve the swordfish fishery, we are committed to the following goals:

1. Strengthening stock assessments and monitoring.
2. Implementing and enforcing bycatch reduction measures.
3. Limiting fishing efforts.
4. Using ecosystem-based management to protect key species.
5. Enhancing international collaboration for regional oversight.
6. Increasing research on bycatch and ecosystem impacts.

These efforts will promote sustainability, benefiting both the community and the environment.

87Sur is a Chilean company specializing in producing and exporting premium seafood, primarily focusing on swordfish. Based in Coquimbo, Chile, we serve some of the most demanding global markets, including the USA, Canada, Italy, France, and Germany. The company is deeply committed to continuous improvement as a company and as part of the national swordfish fishery. We strive to find more efficient and environmentally responsible ways to support our community, ensuring that our operations meet market demands and safeguard the marine ecosystems we depend on.