Chile’s Congress has approved a fisheries law that sets quotas opposed by small-scale fishermen who fear their livelihood will be endangered.
Small-scale fishermen have protested the law for months, sometimes clashing with riot police in Chile’s ports. The fishermen say their main source of income is at risk because they feel the changes will give preferential treatment to big fishing companies.
The legislation also makes the use of GPS devices mandatory.
It was approved in the Senate with 71 votes in favour and 30 against.
Chile’s coast stretches along more than 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres) of the Pacific and fishing is among its top industries.
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