Early people in what is now southern Chile relied on shellfish and seals for food because

There are numerous tribes of prehistoric populations in the southern part of Chile. These groups include the Mapuches, Huillches, Cuncos, Chonos, Kawesgar, and Yaganes.

Although agriculture was their primary economic activity, these groups relied on fish and seals as a source of protein and fat. These were essential goods when the time of winter came. Although they did practice fishing, these people's beliefs were based on the respect for the environments in which the animals lived, avoiding any sort of activity that would disrupt these.