MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine Senate disavows Falklands' fishing licenses

The Argentine Senate approved Wednesday a fisheries bill which imposes stronger sanctions to illegal fishing and basically forces vessels operating in the South Atlantic to opt between Argentine and Falklands issued licenses.

Although the bill does not mention the Falkland Islands it is clearly targeted to those individuals, companies or associations which operate from both sides of the South Atlantic with a double licenses system.

According to the terms of the bill the holders of Argentine fishing licenses must take a sworn statement saying they have no relation of any kind (legal, commercial, economic, profits) with individuals, companies or association that operate in Argentina's EEZ without the respective license awarded by Argentina.

Sanctions include immediate loss of fishing licenses and quotas plus fines ranging up to the equivalent of several million US dollars.

"The bill represents a true achievement for all Patagonians. It's a mechanism to preserve what belongs to us and impedes big business from mocking Argentine citizens in what is our own sea", said Chubut Senator Silvia Giusti, one of the sponsors of the bill.

"The party is over for those companies which practice illegal, unregulated, undeclared fishing. With the modifications of the bill the companies will feel the rigor of Argentine law where it most hurts them: their pockets", added the Senator.

The bill, as currently drafted, and which according to Congressional sources has the blessing of President Kirchner's administration must now be considered in the Lower House.