At Future of Fish Chile, we believe that artisanal fishing can be a source of prosperity and conservation for the country’s coastal communities. Our commitment is to support artisanal fishers so their products not only reach the market but do so with the fair value they deserve, all within a sustainable framework. We aim to build a world where fishing communities are resilient guardians of marine ecosystems, capable of thriving while protecting the sea that sustains them. Through an interdisciplinary approach and the power of associative networks, we work to raise visibility for responsible artisanal fishing, generating a positive impact on both environmental sustainability and the economic well-being of fishers.
With this mission, Mi Caleta was born in collaboration with the Sustainable Fishing Center to address a problem affecting thousands of artisanal fishers in Chile: lack of access to fair markets and competitive prices. In a country where 53% of fisheries are overexploited or collapsed (Subpesca, 2023), fishers often receive only a small portion of the final value of their products due to limited direct sales channels and low bargaining power.
Mi Caleta’s purpose is to improve sales channels for artisanal fishing communities, strengthen their governance and autonomy, and offer consumers products that meet high standards of social and environmental responsibility. With a physical store in Viña del Mar and an online sales channel, Mi Caleta connects artisanal fishers and consumers, ensuring that seafood products, legally sourced, and sold at fair prices. This promotes low environmental impact practices and makes responsible options accessible to more people in Chile.
The results so far have been encouraging: between 2021 and 2023, Mi Caleta generated over 33.7 million Chilena pesos for formal artisanal fishing, working with 16 organizations and commercializing more than 10 tons of seafood products. This growing demand reflects the support of an increasingly conscious and committed consumer base. With over 327 regular customers, Mi Caleta has solidified its place as a pillar in the responsible artisanal fishing market in Chile.
In addition to its economic and environmental benefits, Mi Caleta plays a role in enhancing food security by providing a reliable supply of fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. Through prioritizing fair trade and sustainable practices, Mi Caleta contributes to a more secure and self-sufficient future for Chile’s coastal communities.
In 2025, we aim to make Mi Caleta a replicable commercial model for other communities and sectors, contributing to the recovery of fisheries and the improvement of fishers’ living conditions. We believe that, through a sustainable and fair approach, we can support the conservation of marine resources and the development of coastal communities, achieving a positive and lasting impact.
Thanks to the collaboration between FoF Chile, the Sustainable Fishing Center, and the fishing communities themselves, Mi Caleta represents an opportunity to transform artisanal fishing in Chile, creating a value chain that benefits all stakeholders. As we move forward, our commitment to fair trade and sustainability remains strong, ensuring a prosperous future for artisanal fishing and marine resources in Chile.
Support our work this holiday season by donating to our 50/50 organization, where 50% of your donation supports Future of Fish’s work in Chile, and the other 50% goes directly to the Mi Caleta marketplace.
Published Nov 14, 2024
