MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chinese jiggers allowed into Argentine ports as of next December

Yauhar: only refuel and repairs

As of next December Chinese flagged jigger vessels can enter Argentine ports, make use of services, unload shipments, carry out repairs and stock up on supplies. The Federal Fisheries Council, CFP will be responsible for determining which port terminals will be entitled to cater Chinese jiggers.

Following the signing of the agreement a technical delegation from China is expected next month in Argentina to work out methodological aspects of the implementation.

The issue was recently reported to the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Interests and Fisheries by Norberto Yauhar, head of the Argentina’s Fisheries Under Secretariat.

“At no point will Chinese vessels be able to fish in Argentine waters” underlined Yauhar. He added that the agreement only allows for certain vessels to enter ports and make landings, “this has been a request from some provinces and some mayors that do not support foreign vessels fishing in national waters but are willing to let vessels unload in their ports”.

Yauhar emphasized that the agreement is basically aimed at jiggers, so that they can land, re-supply and complete repairs, which would give Argentine ports increased activity.

With regards to the conditions and controls that this agreement will be subject to, Yauhar explained that “we will implement a corridor through which they can enter, obviously guarded by the Coast Guard.”

Yauhar criticized Argentine entrepreneurs who do not want to fish for squid outside the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), reports Revista Puerto. “The national fleet will also have to think about going beyond the areas where they are currently operating” he said.

The Argentine official also pointed out that “I want to clarify that fishing beyond the 201 miles is not illegal, since they are international waters”. (FIS)