MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

“Devastatingly” poor Illex season.

A devastatingly poor Illex season overshadowed developments in the fisheries sector said Falkland Islands Governor Howard Pearce.

In his annual address to the Legislative Council, Governor Pearce described catches of Illex in Falkland zones as "virtually non-existent", since the total catch at the time the season closed two months early was only about one percent of the long term average catch.

"This has resulted in very significant refunds of license fees. We can only hope that the situation in the Illex fishery returns to normal in 2005, and that that, together with the refund policy, encourages fishing companies to return", cautioned Mr. Pearce.

Poor catch rates means a quiet year for fisheries protection, however last August the fisheries patrol 'Dorada' together with a South African vessel assisted the Australians with the apprehension of the longliner 'Viarsa 1' involved in illegal toothfish operations.

"The incident highlighted co-operation amongst CCAMLR parties", highlighted Mr. Pearce.

Further on the Falklands Governor Pearce said that while scientific effort has been expended on the problems in the Illex fishery, a variety of other projects have continued, in particular responsibility for the assessment of the Loligo fishery passed from Imperial College to Falkland Islands Government during the course of the year.

Looking into the future Mr. Pearce indicated that the new fisheries policy, "which should place the fisheries sector on a more rational economic footing", continues to progress.

Finally Governor Pearce underlined that in compliance with requirements set by the International Maritime Organization to combat world terrorism, port security measures are being implemented "which need to be in place for the next cruise ship season".