MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

In search of explanations and solutions to the 'jumbo squid invasion'

A 27-vessel fleet from Talcahuano, in Region VIII, is to begin research this week into jumbo squid, a species local fishermen blame for a negative impact on several fisheries on, specially on hake.

The study, authorised by the Undersecretary of Fisheries, to last a month, will be conducted by members of the Institute of Fishing Research (INPESCA), who will extract samples of jumbo squid from the vessels' by-catches.

Besides serving to define their biological features and their impact on other species, the data collected by the experts will assist in determining resource biomass, thus defining whether jumbo squid fishery could be sustainable over time.

According to fishermen, the unexpected abundance of jumbo squid in Chilean waters has caused the distancing of jack mackerel and hake away from the fishing grounds, as well as the reduction of sardine and anchoveta stocks

This phenomenon started last year and has led many industrial vessels to request fishing permits from the authorities. Meanwhile, in San Antonio, in Region V, they have gone one step further and contacted Korean companies which might be interested in purchasing the product.

According to artisinal fishermen, who have only been able to catch 25 per cent of their monthly hake fishing quota, this could be extremely significant, since this could turn their desperate situation into an important source of income, generating employment.

The idea has been taken up in Cocholgüe, in Region VIII , where they are already looking for jumbo squid buyers. "It would be a way to reduce theopulation of moluscs, earn extra income and make hake come back to the region," the fishermen told El Sur.(FIS)