MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands Loligo catches improve dramatically in 2005

A upsurge in the quantity of Loligo Squid caught within the Falkland Islands licensed fishing zone has given a welcome boost to the Islands economy.

A total of 58,744 tonnes of Loligo was caught in the two seasons of the year, realizing just over £4 millions ($US 7 millions) in license revenue for the Falkland Islands Government. The seasons this year ran from 01 March - 14 April and again from 15 July - 30 September.

According to the Falklands Director of Fisheries John Barton the 2005 figure is the highest recorded since the year 2000, although 53,000 tonnes were caught in 2001.

There was considerable anxiety in the Islands last year when the final tonnage figure for Loligo catches was announced as just 26,837 tonnes - an all-time low since the Falklands first began issuing fishing licences in 1986.

Mr Barton said that the increase in Loligo catches this year typified the uncertainty of the squid fishing regime. He added that while Loligo had improved this year, the catches of Illex squid remained very low. Catches of the Blue Whiting and Hoki fish species were about normal. Illex is the main money earner for the Falklands.

The next Illex season is due to open on 15 February 2006 and the Falklands Government will be closely monitoring the number of applications for licences, following several poor years which resulted in an earlier closure of the season and the refunding of a large percentage of the licence fee to the respective fishing companies.

The introduction of a fishing zone and the subsequent licencing of vessels from the Far East and Europe has enabled the Islands to become financially autonomous. The Government of Great Britain is required only to pay for the defence of the Islands, providing around 1,500 troops, fighter aircraft and highly sophisticated missile systems.

Patrick Watts - Mercopress - Falkland Islands.