South Africa and Chile have entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at bolstering their fisheries and aquaculture sectors while intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The MoU represents a significant step in fostering collaboration between the two nations to promote sustainable practices and safeguard marine resources.
Key Areas of Collaboration
The agreement, announced in early November, outlines cooperation in the following areas:
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Research: Sharing scientific advancements and sustainable practices.
- Technology Exchange: Promoting modern aquaculture technology and responsible farming methods.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing expertise in small-scale and industrial fisheries management, regulatory approaches, and enforcement measures.
- Combating IUU Fishing: Joint initiatives to address fisheries-related crimes that threaten marine ecosystems.
In a statement, South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) said, “The agreement marks a significant step in the strengthening of bilateral relations and collaborative efforts between South Africa and Chile in promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.”
The MoU builds on South Africa and Chile’s individual ratifications of the World Trade Organization agreement on fisheries subsidies—South Africa in March 2024 and Chile in December 2023—which bans support for IUU fishing and prohibits fishing of overexploited stocks.
Both nations face significant challenges from illegal fishing. South Africa loses an estimated USD 60 million annually to abalone poaching, with other species such as lobster and mud crab also under threat. Chile has historically struggled with overfishing of Patagonian toothfish, or Chilean sea bass, despite regulatory measures to protect the species.
The MoU aims to grow the contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to both countries’ economies by increasing seafood exports and boosting earnings for small-scale and commercial fishers.
To facilitate the implementation of the agreement, South Africa and Chile have established a joint technical team to oversee activities and create a roadmap for future initiatives. Regular bilateral meetings will further strengthen the partnership.
This collaboration underscores the commitment of both nations to sustainable development, preservation of marine biodiversity, and the economic empowerment of their fisheries communities.
Source: Seafoodsource
