Guano extraction in Atlantic Patagonia (1840–1880)

HALLER, SOFÍA

International Journal of Maritime History

Sage Journals

Año: 2022 vol. 34 p. 282 - 303

0843-8714

Between 1840 and 1880, multiple ships travelled towards the Atlantic coast of Patagonia,engaging in guano extraction. The Patagonian guano, though of inferior quality to thePeruvian product, was one of the most valuable coastal resources of the region.Drawing on a wide variety of documents and literature, the author has explored exploitationpractices and logistics. 11 guano deposits exploited have been mapped and linkedwith details such as vessels, companies and harbours. The history of guano in the regionshows an entanglement of connections and competition regarding the resource, raisinginter-imperial disputes where different state and non-state agents operated to benefitboth distant and regional economies.