PUNTA ARENAS. In recent days, and as is usual at this time of year, the Strait of Magellan begins to see an increase in the traffic of Chinese fishing fleets heading to various extraction areas. And this week, six vessels were sighted by the Punta Arenas Maritime Authority, who proceeded with their inspection and monitoring during their transit.
It should be noted that the General Services Boat (LSG) “Punta Arenas” accompanied the transit of these vessels on June 12, ensuring that monitoring and surveillance operations were carried out effectively. By verifying compliance with national and international fishing legislation and the “passage of innocents” through the Strait, we seek to guarantee safety and compliance with maritime regulations in this jurisdiction and which is carried out permanently, during the 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
These units were located “on tour” in the bay of Punta Arenas, waiting for favorable weather conditions to continue their navigation towards their fishing area in the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, four ships are anchored in Bahía Posesión, awaiting the boarding of pilots for navigation through the Strait of Magellan, with a date yet to be confirmed.
The monitoring of these vessels is carried out via satellite using the “Grafimar Web” application. Furthermore, during aerial explorations, the Maritime Authority requested the Third Naval Zone to register the fishing vessels present in the area.
To date, a total of 94 Chinese-flagged fishing vessels have crossed from the Atlantic Ocean fishing zone to the Pacific Ocean fishing zone; while 34 ships have made the crossing in the opposite direction, the last time being on April 18.
This effort reflects the commitment of the Chilean Navy, through the Third Naval Zone, in the protection and control of its jurisdictional waters, as well as in international cooperation for the responsible management of maritime resources.
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