MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine squid fishery kicks off February 1

Members of Argentina's Squid Monitoring Commission agreed on February first as the starting point for the next shortfin squid (Illex argentinus) season. The decision enforced in Argentina's EEZ had been notified to industry representatives.

Thus, the system of ?calendar' openings that has been applied for some years now will be maintained.

In support of the squid fisheries, Argentina's National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP) will be carrying out a new squid exploratory campaign which is expected to begin this week, once the oceanographic research vessel sets sail.

In related news the Argentine Naval Prefecture (PNA) and the Argentine Navy reported that they continue to patrol the area adjoining the 200-mile plus boundary to prevent foreign-flagged vessels, particularly of Asian origin, from entering the Argentine EEZ for poaching.

According to Argentina's Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Secretariat (SAGPyA), between January and November 2005, squid landings totalled 143,233 tonnes, a 94.5% increase over the same period last year. (FIS/MP)