The administration of President Kast has decided not to move forward with the new fishing law proposed by the Gabriel Boric administration, opting instead to maintain the current system of fishing quotas, according to latercera.com.
Undersecretary of Fisheries Osvaldo Urrutia confirmed the decision during an interview with Pulso, stating that there are no plans to introduce a new legislative initiative. The official argued that the existing quota system already addresses the technical issues the previous proposal sought to resolve.
“There will be no new fishing bill; that is not in our plans either,” Uritia stated. The Undersecretary added that the government does not support the ideas within the previous proposal, labeling it a "foundational" initiative that intended to completely replace current regulations.
Divided Reactions Across Industrial and Political Sectors
The Biobío Industrial Fishermen's Association, which represents major companies such as Blumar, Camanchaca, and Landes, expressed its support for the decision. The association noted that the move helps clear up uncertainty and allows the sector to plan for development with greater stability.
“The Government's decision is moving in the right direction, as it helps clear up uncertainties and allows the sector's development to be projected on more stable foundations,” the association declared, further highlighting the importance of maintaining MSC international certification for fisheries such as jack mackerel and common hake.
In Parliament, opinions remain split. From the opposition, Deputy Sergio Bobadilla (UDI) celebrated the end of the project, calling it a "courageous" move to avoid a process that, in his view, promoted "disguised expropriation" and stalled investment in the Biobío Region.
Conversely, Senator Iván Flores (PDC) criticized the decision, pointing out that the government is failing to honor the political agreement to introduce a new law within the established timeframe. “I do not think it is a good idea for the government to have decided not to replace the fishing law that it withdrew,” Flores noted.
Senator Carlos Kuschel (RN), Chair of the Senate Fisheries Committee, supported the measure, noting a recent revitalization in the industry. In contrast, Senator Fidel Espinoza (PS) called the decision a “political error,” warning that it provides ammunition to hardline factions to challenge the government's management.
