MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Further squid and blue whiting surveys recommended

A continued joint precautionary approach towards squid and further scientific investigation to ensure sustainability of the southern blue whiting was recommended by the South Atlantic Fisheries Commission which last week met in London.

The commission which addresses common fishing interests shared by Argentina and Britain in the South West Atlantic praised the early warning system, insisting that both governments must make every effort to maintain levels of Illex spawning stock in order to ensure resource sustainability.

Furthermore they emphasized there was "an urgent need for scientific research aimed at establishing the appropriate levels of spawning stock biomass".

Illex squid seasons in the South Atlantic for the last few years have been quite poor and through the early warning system both sides have been able to coordinate the anticipated closure of the fishery thus ensuring conservation of the resource.

Regarding the Southern Blue Whiting fishery, the commission noted that current analysis indicated that the decline in stock size had been arrested, but since results are subject to considerable level of uncertainty further "scientific investigation was required to clarify the status of the stock".

In spite of the dispute over the Falkland Islands sovereignty, Argentine and British delegations meet alternatively twice a year to reaffirm the importance they attach to ensuring the sustainability of fish stocks and the commitment of both Governments to the conservation of the fish and squid stocks of the South West Atlantic.

In this framework, the 27th meeting of the commission also recommended an ad-hoc scientific meeting to be held in the near future to discuss the objectives and design of the future South Blue Whiting survey.

According to the official release the meeting took place in a "cordial atmosphere", with the Argentine Delegation led by Ambassador Eduardo Airaldi, Head of the Malvinas and South Atlantic Department, Foreign Ministry and the British Delegation by the Head of the Overseas Territories Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr Tony Crombie.

Finally the two parties announced they will maintain contacts through diplomatic channels with a view to agreeing on the place and dates of the next meeting of the Commission, which given the alternative system should be hosted by Argentina.