MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Two month San Matías Gulf hake ban

Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) fishing is to be banned in the San Matías Gulf for two months as for October 1, to protect the species during its most important spawning period. Río Negro province Department of Production has decided to ban hake fishing in the gulf from October through November 30 in the Río Negro fishing reserve north of parallel 41º 30'.

The Río Negro Institute of Marine Biology recommended adopting a series of fisheries management measures for more rational exploitation and better protection of Argentine hake stocks. These recommendations led to the decision to impose the temporary fishing ban on the entire fleet, reports Río Negro.

Production Secretary Rodolfo Villalba said he based his decision on the need for rational exploitation of fishery resources, to maximise their potential performance and socioeconomic benefits. Regulations stipulate that any exceptions to the ban must be based on technical features described in Río Negro Institute of Marine Biology directives.

They also give the Fisheries Police Department, together with the Coast Guard (PNA) the necessary powers to monitor and enforce the ban. Any breaches in the regulations (provincial resolution Nº 555) will be punished in accordance with the Maritime Fishing Law. (FIS/MP).