MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina begins squid survey next July 25.

Next Monday 25 July a group of 16 Argentine flagged jiggers and trawlers will be participating in a shortfin squid (Illex argentinus) research survey undertaken by the Mar del Plata National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development, INIDEP.

Originally scheduled for last Monday the eight days scientific survey will cover the South Atlantic area between parallels 37° and 43° 15' S, and isobaths of 50 and 100 metres, approximately.

Each vessel will be carrying an INIDEP observer.

Following Argentina's decision last June 27 to advance the closure of the squid fisheries given the poor catches, fishing authorities are focused on assessing the resource and determine when it could be re-opened or will it have to remain out of bounds to ensure sustainability for the 2006 season.

According to provisional data from the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Secretariat (SAGPyA), during the first six months of 2005, a total of 136,037 tonnes were caught in Argentine waters.

Regarding the northern stock, official figures report a catch of 45,000 tonnes of squid, compared to the 23,000 extracted in 2004, another poor squid season. In related news the South West Atlantic Fisheries Commission, meeting in London during the second week of July ratified the resources sustainability commitment of both governments involved, Argentina and Great Britain. (FIS/MP).-