PROSPECTIVE Chile Southeast Pacific swordfish - gillnet (87SUR)

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.