The head of the study is IFOP researcher Erik Daza Valdebenito who explained “The southern king crab fishery (Lithodes santolla) has been carried out since 1928 in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic region. Currently the artisanal fishing fleet operates from the Castillo channel in the north to the Wollaston islands in the south, traveling more than 10,000 km2 of coastline in the fjord and canal system during the fishing season that runs from July 1 to 30. November of each year. The opening of new markets and the rise in sales prices in recent years, in addition to the interesting economic remuneration offered by this fishery, has constantly generated expansionary pressures from the industrial and artisanal sectors, which have been expressed in an increase in fishing effort and in the installed capacity in the region, it is estimated that more than 6,000 people would work directly and indirectly in the production chain.

 

The management of this fishery requires incorporating measures that consider the application of the ecosystem approach mentioned in the General Law of Fisheries and Aquaculture. In this context, the study will allow the development of a pilot experience to incorporate alternative escape mechanisms to the centollera trap. The objective is to facilitate the release of male specimens under the legal minimum catch size (12 cm long cephalothorax) and species that are part of the accompanying fauna associated with the fishery. On the other hand, we will carry out field tests with artisanal fishermen, to evaluate the interaction of the fishing gear used with large marine cetaceans. The final objective is to recommend mitigation measures to the Management Committee, the Sectoral Authority and to provide updated scientific information on the requirements for the export of this resource to the North American market. The study will be carried out during the year 2020, the final results will be delivered during the second half of 2021, considering the health evolution of the region.