"Chile's Artisanal Fishermen Fear Die-Out As Trawling, Climate Bite"

"VALPARAISO - In small coves along Chile's Pacific coast, artisanal fishermen say life is becoming harder as industrial trawling depletes fish stocks even as they struggle to deal with climate impacts and economic headwinds like the high price of gasoline for boats.

They hope a planned new law regulating the sector, currently making its way to Congress, will save small-scale operators who inherited their nets from their forefathers.

"Our culture at this moment is at risk of disappearing," said Eduardo Quiroz, a fisherman from Caleta Portales.

"We have a great hope that it is a law made for the recovery of resources," he said, adding the bill should put more emphasis on fishing methods, track more closely resources in different areas and address issues like overpopulation of sea lions."

Rodrigo Garrido reports for Reuters Dec. 22, 2022.

Source: Reuters, 12/23/2022