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Fisheries News

Wednesday, January 22nd 2003 - 20:00 UTC
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Headlines: Boom squid harvest forecasted; Argentina creates fisheries policy board; Prestige damages reach a billion EUR; Brazil finances fishing fleet; South Korea and Russia agree fishing quotas; Low catches may trigger shrimp ban; Chile supports coastal fishermen; Peru catches Ecuadorian vessels poaching; Decommissioning on cards for Prime Ministerial talks;

Boom squid harvest forecasted

Argentine fishery businessmen are forecasting excellent squid harvests and a boom in exports to Spain. The squid season officially begins next February. Spanish demand for squid jumped 40% last year and estimates put 2003 squid exports at around USD 150 million, with Spain absorbing almost 70% of total sales, according to the newspaper Crónica. The abrupt fall in squid catches last year in the Falklands fishing grounds caused a shortage of raw material that hit production in Spain, Europe's main squid processor. Squid, along with Hubbsi hake, is Argentina's main fishery export product, and local processors, mainly located in Patagonia, say they are ready to meet the demand from foreign markets. Around 80 per cent of Argentine squid is caught in Chubut waters and companies based there are in a good position to handle an increase in European demand. Some of these companies are already looking forward to good sales of squid, mussel, and even sardine, to the Spanish market, reports Crónica. Argentine producers are focussing on finished products, such as squid rings since prices have soared from USD 1,400 to USD 2,200 per tonne when stocks ran out due to a Asia's poor harvests in 2002. Although an abundance of squid is forecasted for this year along the Argentine coast, sector sources say that "every season is an enigma" and only when fishing starts will they have a real idea of catch estimates. In 2001 squid catches in Argentina totalled 230,272 tonnes but dropped last year to 176,682 tonnes, partly due to the higher than average temperatures that affected spawning grounds near the River Plate estuary. Argentine scientific sources believe that high temperatures kill squid larvae before they can reach adulthood and migrate to South Atlantic waters. (FIS/MP).-

Argentina grants additional hubbsi hake quotas

The Argentine government is dishing out extra catch quotas for common hake (Merluccius hubbsi), to keep the fishery going while researchers make up their minds about this year's total allowable catch (TAC). The National Institute for Fishery Research and Development (Inidep) still has to agree on a hake TAC so the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Aquaculture Secretariat (SAGPyA) has decided to grant additional quotas to support the fleet, which operates south of Parallel 41° SL. It has also extended the period for distributing hake fishing permits until 28 February. The provinces of Chubut and Santa Cruz are to get an additional 1,000-tonne quota; Buenos Aires 2,000 tonnes and Río Negro 400 tonnes. Quotas assigned by central government are to be distributed among the fresh fish vessels that have fishing permits issued by the province. Catches are to be processed at coastal plants only, and must undergo complete transformation from raw material to finished product. Simply packing the products will not qualify. "Infringement of the current terms on the part of licence holders will be penalised by the Provincial Fisheries Directorate," said Rio Negro's Production secretary, Rodolfo Villalba. Companies that want to increase their hubbsi hake quotas must submit a request including their legal address and registration, tax records, vessel registrations and fishing permits. Companies must also submit details of their proposed catch quantities, vessels to be used, employees in Rio Negro and additional staff, as well as information about the processing plant. However companies that complied with these formalities for last year's central Government quotas are exempt from repeating this process. Last year, Chubut's fisheries authorities claimed that the hake fishery is an important economic resource and a valuable source of employment in the region and as a result central government granted additional quotas. Other provinces then followed suit, fisheries director Italo Sangiulano told Diario Río Negro. During 2002, Rio Negro's hake catches in San Matías Gulf dropped to 5,500 tonnes, 40% less that in 2001. According INIDEP, hake accounted for 29 to 73% of Argentina's total marine catches from 1986 through 2001. In recent years, hake exports have been worth approximately USD 200 million annually. But stocks fell dramatically in the nineties and the spawning biomass is the lowest on record since 1986, which is why it is currently in a recovery phase. (FIS/MP).-

Surveillance of Ross Sea begins

The New Zealand government has announced the start of surveillance flights over the Southern Ocean and Ross Sea for the 2002/03 fishing season. The first flight by an Air Force Orion left Dunedin early last week on the 11-hour mission. Making the announcement, the Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff said: "This is the sixth consecutive year that New Zealand has undertaken surveillance in the Ross Sea because of concern about the potential for illegal fishing in the region." In particular the government is worried about illegal fishing for the Antarctic Toothfish. Mr Goff continued: "New Zealand is a member of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) based in Hobart which manages an 'exploratory fishery' in the Ross Sea area for Antarctic toothfish. Demand for toothfish in markets such as the United States, Japan and Europe is high and illegal fishing has seriously depleted stocks and caused enormous damage to seabird populations elsewhere in the Southern Ocean." This season several New Zealand vessels have permits to take toothfish from the Ross Sea area, and they will be joined by other vessels approved by CCAMLR from Russia, South Africa, Spain and Japan. New Zealand is determined that these waters are fished in accordance with CCAMLR Conservation Measures. "Illegal fishing for toothfish," continued Mr Goff, "is, in some cases, connected with organised crime. This not only poses a serious threat to the fragile Antarctic environment but to the rule of law and even the Antarctic Treaty system itself. It is vital that all CCAMLR members do their utmost to exercise fully their flag state responsibilities in respect of their vessels." The newly established National Maritime Coordination Centre is involved in coordinating the surveillance effort together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the New Zealand Defence Force and the Ministry of Fisheries. (FIS/MP).

Argentina creates fisheries policy board

Argentina created a new fisheries policy board that is intended to bring together government and sector representatives to work out measures to stabilise fisheries management. The government also hopes that the new board will be able to avoid the legal challenges that are becoming increasingly frequent. During the January 15 meeting of the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Secretariat (SAGPyA) Secretary Haroldo Lebed said the aim of the board was for all fisheries organisations, and companies that are not affiliated, "to reach an agreement that can be accepted by all." The meeting also discussed closer links and coordination with the Coast Guard (PNA) that should broaden the scope of this service that is responsible for patrolling the Argentine Economic Exclusive Zone and monitoring compliance with fisheries regulations. Under the agreement, PNA would be able to take into port any Argentine vessel caught fishing illegally and then initiate legal proceedings, which until now has been the Secretariat's responsibility. Mr. Lebed also announced that the Fishing Satellite Tracking system (MOPESAT) would be enforced to control the domestic fleet. Fishing companies had been clamouring for the satellite monitoring system to be re-instated. The authorities admitted the system was inactive for 10 months because the government owed the supplier USD 140,000. To re-install and maintain the equipment costs USD 4,000 to USD 6,000 a month. Mr. Lebed Lebed said the Argentine government now has the sufficient funds to cancel the debt and "the system will be back operating normally next month". "Businessmen themselves want to prevent transgressors from acting with impunity, as has happened when the satellite system was out of action. The system is essential for conservation and for the safety of vessels," indicated Mr. Lebed, adding that "the current satellite control closed system will become an open system, meaning any Argentine citizen will be able to have access via Internet from anywhere". Mr. Lebed emphasized he wants government control over the sector to be more dynamic and effective since there are "7,000 fines that have gone uncollected and another 2,300 pending cases must still be settled. This situation must be immediately addressed". While applauding the creation of a fisheries policy board, delegates stressed that the government must provide enough legal backing to determine the length and reliability of contracts. It should also focus on planning catches to manage the fleet effectively. The SAGPyA meeting was attended by representatives from various fishing industry chambers and unions, vessel owner's associations, fishing companies and other related organisations plus PNA. (FIS/MP).-

Prestige damages reach a billion EUR

The first official estimation of the total cost of the environmental and economic damages caused by the Prestige disaster along Galician coasts yielded a much higher sum than expected: the recovery of fisheries and regional economies in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Euzkadi will require EUR 1,000 million from the Spanish government. During a hearing in the Spanish Congress, Economy Minister Cristóbal Montoro revealed that the latest estimates show the total cost of the environmental and economic damage to be much higher than expected. He added that this is by no means the definitive figure either, as future disbursements will have to be added. Mr. Montoro said the figure reflected the measures approved by the Government during the first two months to tackle the black tide, but the cost of neutralising the fuel that remains in the sunken vessels' tanks will also have to be added to the mounting costs. So far much of the funds have been spent on contracting the French submarine Nautile to seal the cracks in the 3,500 metre deep wreck off the Galician coast. Resources have also been used to pay for the pumping ships and the planes that are working to identify slicks in the sea. Another EUR 350 million was used to organise beach clean-up tasks and the technical team in charge of managing environmental recovery. The remaining EUR 150 million was divided equally between the cost of cleaning the Atlantic Islands Archipelago and "complementary operations," said Montoro, who stressed that all the money spent so far has come from national budgets, although the Government would not turn down any funding opportunity offered by the European Union (EU). Meanwhile, Spanish Vice-president Rodrigo Rato announced a series of measures to be urgently approved by the Economic Affairs Commission, including a new EUR 4 million credit facility, provided by the Official Credit Institute (ICO), to cover the extraordinary expenses incurred by fishermen's unions. Companies in debt will also benefit from special long-term financing with credit from ICO. The government is making every effort "to relieve and combat the effects of Prestige, to support business and help affected companies," Rato told Ideal Gallego. He added that Galicia's plan would be "far-reaching and aimed at overcoming medium and long-term consequences" and would entail increased investments to bring stability to the sectors involved and to the regions. At O Coído (Muxía) beach in the Galician coast, vice-president Rato listened to concerns of volunteers and agreed there still are signs showing just how far the environmental catastrophe had reached and insisted the Government wasn't trying to play down what had happened. He also said it was clear that some of the beaches still had serious problems and that anyone who saw them would be "shocked to realise the gravity of the situation." With fishing expected to resume on Galician coasts, sector representatives and fisheries officials have planned a sales campaign to promote produce since demand in the domestic market has declined significantly. In early February promotions are scheduled in El Corte Inglés, Gadis, Alcampo and Carrefour to boost Galician mussel consumption. These will include tasting sessions and distribution of recipe books, reports Diario de Arousa. (FIS/MP).-

Brazil finances fishing fleet

In a bid to boost economic growth and fisheries development Brazilian authorities have authorized Merchant Navy Fund (FMM) to finance the building of fishing vessels. Aquaculture and Fisheries Secretary José Fritsch formalised the agreement at a meeting, held last week, to discuss basic strategies for the sustainable development of fisheries under the new administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Minister José Fritsch told delegates that the fishing sector figured high on the new government's agenda and stressed how important the National Aquaculture Policy was since it not only includes the modernisation of fishery fleets, but also "the specialisation of the workforce." Vitorino Doménech, director of the Merchant Navy Department, who attended the meeting along with Members of Parliament, fishing sector businessmen and representatives from fishermen's and naval industry unions, proposed temporarily modifying FMM regulations, which only currently allow financing of merchant navy vessels. He said it would help the Ministry of Fisheries to better define the market that will use the fund's resources if it specified more clearly the category of vessels that could be financed by the FMM. Itajaí Fishing Industry Union leader AntÃÂÂ'nio Carlos Momm welcomed the decision to finance the building of a modern, national fishing fleet. But he says the price of diesel oil for fishing vessels should be reduced, as it is currently three times higher than the average international price. Union leaders also want authorities to modify ban schedules on some species, reports Mercado da Pesca. (FIS/MP).-

South Korea and Russia agree fishing quotas

The fishing quota for Korean boats allowed into Russian waters this year has been set at 51,800 tons, South Korea's Deputy Minister for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Park Jae-young announced January 18. The decision was reached by the Korea-Russia joint fisheries committee after two days of discussions in Moscow. Broken down by the type of fish that can harvested, Korean boats can catch 22,000 tons of pollock, 20,000 tons of saury, 7,300 tons of squid and 2,500 tons of cod, writes Korea Herald. The agreement also limits the number of ships that can enter fishing zones under Russian control to a total of 168. Russia will allow 23 pollock trawlers, seven cod longliners, 33 boats with lever lifts for saury and 105 jiggers. (FIS/MP).

Low catches may trigger shrimp ban

Argentine Fisheries officials are analysing the results of a survey, which recommends imposing a temporary ban on shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) because of low catches. The National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (Inidep) carried out a survey of the zone that spans the following geographical points: ? Latitude 43 South and the provincial jurisdiction border line. ? Latitude 43 South and Longitude 62° West ? Latitude 45 South and Longitude 62° West ? Latitude 45 South and Longitude 63° West ? Latitude 46° 30' South and Longitude 63° West ? Latitude 46° 30' South and the jurisdiction border line The survey detected very low catches and has therefore recommended a ban on shrimp fishing in that area. Inidep permanently monitors the behaviour of shrimp, and its incidence on common hake, and will carry out further research on 17 February to assess stocks as the next fishing season begins, reports Thefishmall.com. Experts agree that the shrimp fishery has typically cyclic characteristics, mainly due to environmental factors that affect its development stage, and that it requires extremely cautious management. Representatives from Argenova SA, Conarpesa, the Patagonian Shrimp Chamber (Calapa), the Patagonian Fishing Industries Chamber (CAPIP), Cabpa and Pesquera Santa Elena attended a meeting with National Fisheries Director Nélida Videla, to discuss the latest findings and the implications of a temporary ban. (FIS/MP).

Chile supports coastal fishermen

Chile's 2003/2005 development programme for the artisanal sector in regions X and XII is gaining momentum. As well as improving access to new technology and boosting production, the programme encourages the expansion of aquaculture. During a visit to Region X, Minister of Economy Jorge Rodríguez Grossi said the action plan of the 2003/2005 programme is based on the potential of aquaculture for the artisanal sector. "As of this year, we will focus on designing a national aquaculture policy that will be integrated into the artisanal sector," he said. Last year 220 aquaculture licences were approved 157 of which correspond to small-scale projects that served as an economic alternative to 600 families. Several million US dollars are being spent in Region X to reinforce existing organisations, to introduce new technology, develop trade and new markets, gain access to working capital and improve infrastructure. Mr. Rodríguez confirmed reports that the artisanal sector has been allocated a 77,800-tonne hake quota. And, regarding management areas, the minister said 54 new areas were added last year to the 21 existing ones, and he expected another 70 areas to be added during this fiscal year. In Region XII, (Magallanes) representatives from the regional and national authorities signed a cooperation agreement with the Artisanal Fishing Promotion Fund (FFPA) that will benefit small-scale fishermen. Under this agreement, the Government will contribute more than half a million US dollars from the Magellan Development Fund to finance a programme of artisanal fishing development measures. Magallanes Governor Jaime Jelincic asked local fishermen to act responsibly and take advantage of the opportunity being offered to the coastal fishing sector. (FIS/MP).

Peru catches Ecuadorian vessels poaching

The Peruvian Navy has confirmed the arrest of two industrial fishing vessels and 11 smaller boats all registered in Ecuador, with a total of 44 crewmembers that were caught fishing illegally. According to the official Peruvian Coast Guard release, patrol vessel B.A.P Río Empeña on duty along the north coast, 80 miles from Paita bay, discovered the 15-tonne Rey David II and 63-tonne Anita María, together with 11 smaller boats operating in Peru's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Three of the smaller boats, Santa Elena V, Santa Elena III and Santa Elena B, were fond to be carrying three tonnes of parrotfish, reports El Comercio. Catches were seized and submitted to Peru's Fisheries Ministry. However no evidence was found in any of the other vessels - Daniel Enrique, Germán Bolívar, Carlos Julio, Julissa, Los hermanos M, Virgen del Mar, Yender Kennedy and Niño Divino. Peruvian courts have yet to decide on the fines for unauthorised entry into jurisdictional waters and fishing without a licence from the Peruvian government. Crewmembers were handed over to Ecuador's consular authorities and the vessels remain arrested and berthed in Paita. (FIS/MP).-

Decommissioning on cards for Prime Ministerial talks

Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to offer the fishing industry a decommissioning scheme in talks likely to take place later this month. Fisheries Minister Elliot Morley said during a Commons fisheries debate that the package ought to be ready in time for the meeting and decommissioning would be part of the picture. But industry leaders are concerned that the fleet cannot stand any further reductions. Even more worrying is the possibility that officials may be basing the plan to scrap 15% of the fleet on data that hugely exaggerates the number of eligible vessels. The number of pure white fish trawlers remaining in Scotland could be as low as 160 to 180 rather than the 500-odd thought to figure in official reckonings. During the Commons debate, Mr Morley defended the deal he brought back, which has been denounced as disastrous by the industry. Banff and Buchan MP Alex Salmond called for short-term aid during the interim measures, which include a compulsory 15-day tie-up, until a new cod recovery plan can be agreed. "There has to be new money from the Treasury to keep fishing communities afloat," he said. Mr Morley declared that the "anomaly" of Danish industrial trawlers being allowed to fish 25 days per month with small mesh nets while Scots white fish boats were limited to 15 days using large 120mm mesh was "unfinished business." (FIS/MP).-

Categories: Falkland Islands.

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