Mussels. (Stock File/FIS)

Fishermen receive technology to capture mussel seeds

CHILE
Monday, July 09, 2012, 23:50 (GMT + 9)

Three artisanal fishermen’s organizations of Hualaihué, Los Lagos District, received low environmental technology impact at Pichicolo port for capturing farmed mussel seeds.

The initiative is supported by the Fisheries Administration Fund (FAP) of the Undersecretariat of Fisheries (Subpesca), the Fund for the Development of Artisanal Fisheries (FFPA) of the National Fishing Service (Sernapesca) and the Regional Government of Los Lagos.

This project is an important step for artisanal fishermen’s organizations which have diversified their fishing activities since 2009 towards mussel seed collection in the district of Hualaihué.

The ceremony was attended by local authorities, reported Subpesca.

According to Leónidas Valenzuela, FFPA executive secretary, this project involves the delivery of 75,000 metres of the cape Spat Rope for mussel seed collection by continuous line.

"It represents an important step as to the incorporation of technology from New Zealand, aimed at improving the collection efficiency of these seeds, an activity that is primarily performed today through the reuse of waste from the fishing industry," stated the official.

Meanwhile, FAP executive director, María José Gutiérrez, explained that "through these initiatives it is sought that fishermen have the best tools for carrying out their tasks with more technology so as to reduce the impact and to increase production and income of fishermen, diversifying resources."

It will even serve to promote "other activities, which contribute to raising the value of the captured resources," added Gutiérrez.

The entities benefiting from this project are the union Aguas Claras from Mañihueico, the association called Unión y Esfuerzo and the Union Nueva Aventura from Quiacas.

For this initiative CLP 35 million (USD 70,000) was invested and it is expected to impact positively and directly in more than 200 artisanal fishermen in the area.

The collectors’ installation season for catching seeds runs from October to March so this spring fishermen will first use this technology with low environmental impact.

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

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