MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina: provisional 380.000 tons hake catch

Argentina established a total common hake (Merluccius hubbsi) catch of 380.000 tons for 2006, which represents a 5% increase over last year, according to the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Secretariat (SAGPyA) Resolution 90/2005.

However the measure is provisional until the Federal Fisheries Council has the information required to determine the total allowable catch (TAC) for 2006.

The allocations detailed in the SAGPyA Resolution 90/2005, published January 2 in the Official Gazette include 23 and 4% increases, over 2005 landings, for the fresh fish and reefer fleets.

The 380.000 tons catch volume is similar to that of two years ago and based on scientific information provided by the National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP).

Additionally the resolution contemplates for the maritime provinces "on a temporary basis", 34.000 tons, 9% of the total, to be distributed among certain vessels to "moderate possible socioeconomic effects".

The Province of Buenos Aires was granted 13.000 tonnes of hake for the twelve months of 2006; Río Negro, 2.000 tons; Chubut, 12.200 tons and Santa Cruz 6.800 tons.

The resolution also establishes ban periods, 20 days every six months for fresh-fish vessels, and 30 days in the same period for freezer vessels. (FIS/MP).-