Chile is a large player globally in both marine fisheries and aquaculture. Most landings in Chile are small pelagic species, with anchovy as the main species. In 2016, the volume of anchovy decreased 38% from 2015 and accounted for 22% of the total landed volume at 333.500 tonnes. In past years, the biomass has decreased as a result of frequent El Niño events, causing a closure in the anchovy and sardine fisheries. 

During the past ten years, Chilean fishmeal and fish oil production has declined from approximately 800.000 tonnes in 2006 to approximately 230.000 tonnes estimated for 2016. The raw materials for the fishmeal and fish oil industries are mainly anchovy and sardine, and in the past years, horse mackerel, which is used for non-food purposes and human consumption. The decline in horse mackerel was attributable to reduced availability of raw material through reduced quotas after a period of overfishing by both Chilean and foreign vessels in national and international waters. In addition to the reduced availability of horse mackerel, the modest landings of anchovy and sardines in Chile in past years have contributed to the reduced production volume of fishmeal and fish oil.

Chile is the largest producer globally of large trout and coho (silver salmon) and the second largest producer globally of salmonids (Atlantic salmon, large trout, and coho) behind Norway. Currently, approximately 25 companies produce salmonids. The 14 largest companies are responsible for approximately 80% of total production. Among the top 15 salmonid farming companies globally, six are Chilean.

Highights from \"Fisheries and Aquaculture in Chile\" - EUMOFA