By the 1960s, Chile had developed a significant fishmeal industry, primarily based on anchovy production for export. This rise in the fishmeal industry not only boosted the Chilean economy but also positioned the country as a key player in global seafood markets. The industry's growth had lasting impacts on marine resource management and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The rise of the Chilean fishmeal industry in 1960 contributed to narratives of resource extraction in Latin American poetry. Poets like Pablo Neruda addressed the socio-economic impacts of such industries, using their work to critique environmental degradation and advocate for social justice.