Chile and Indonesia work together on fisheries digital tools management

The Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca) of Chile participated in the workshop 'Promotion of Decision Support Systems (DSS) Using Digital Data to Support the Management of Small Pelagic Fisheries in the APEC Region,' held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

This initiative, held on September 23 and 25, was part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which brings together 21 economies from the Pacific Rim, and aims to strengthen the capacities of member countries in developing policies based on Decision Support Systems (DSS).

These DSS tools support the management of small pelagic fisheries by utilizing data from electronic logbooks, scientific observers, and electronic monitoring systems.

Experts and representatives from various APEC economies took part in technical presentations, case studies, and interactive activities, where knowledge was exchanged and international cooperation on sustainable fisheries management was promoted.

Specifically, Subpesca highlighted the importance of small pelagic fisheries — such as common sardine and anchoveta — for the developing economies of the APEC region. These fisheries generate employment, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and contribute to improving food security.

In August, Chilean and Peruvian representatives gathered to advance the joint estimation of the biomass of the shared anchovy stock (Engraulis ringens) in southern Peru and northern Chile. Both countries monitor and exchange information to improve the understanding of marine population dynamics and strengthen decision-making in fisheries management.

"Chile reaffirms its commitment within APEC international forums by sharing its experience in the use of digital tools and scientific observation programs, while also enriching its national management with best practices and lessons learned from other economies in the region," Subpesca stated in a press release.