The Chilean experience with Territorial Use Rights in Fisheries

Abstract

The implementation of territorial use rights in fisheries (TURFs) in Chile was prompted by an overfishing crisis in the loco (Concholepas concholepas) fishery, historically the most important benthic shellfishery in the country. More than 14,000 fishers (divers and boat operators) harvest loco and a variety of benthic invertebrates and algae along the entire coast of continental Chile, from approximately 18° S (border with Peru) to 56° S (Cape Horn). In contrast to other marine TURF systems that evolved gradually from customary tenure, the Chilean system was established de novo by legislation, after traditional practices had been distorted by the introduction of individual quotas in the loco fishery. Historically, commercial diving developed as a de facto open-access fi shery, regulated only by size limits and seasonal closures on some species. Prior to the mid-1970s, catches of loco were sustained at less than 5,000 tons. A surge in the international demand and neoliberal policies led to a rapid expansion of the fi shery, with catches soaring to more than 20,000 tons in 1980. A drop in catch rates precipitated a management crisis, and the fishery was closed in the entire country between 1989 and 1992, leaving a sequel of economic hardship and social unrest.