Status and trends on the use of small pelagic fish species in Chile 291
increase in the labour force in the aquaculture sector might compensate for the reduced
employment in the capture fisheries sector. The salmon aquaculture industry is one of the
most important employment generators in many areas of Chile, where poverty levels are
much lower than the national average. The employment generated by this rising industry
has a positive impact on poverty indicators for rural communities.
The hypothetical scenario of redirecting the use of jack mackerel from fishmeal
production to the production of food for direct human consumption might have a positive
effect. However, from the point of view of increased food security and poverty alleviation,
the impact of the alternative use of this resource for human consumption might not be very
significant, given that its products are not in high demand and would be mainly destined
for export. Lowering the production of fishmeal will not have a negative impact on national
salmon aquaculture, considering that at the present levels of fishmeal inclusion in salmonid
aquafeeds there is still a surplus of fishmeal that is generally destined for export. Still, there
could be a socio-economic benefit resulting from increased employment though greater
processing opportunities.