MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands “flurry of interest” in illex licences similar 2006

FORTY illex licenses have been taken up so far and there has been a recent “flurry of interest”, the Falkland Islands Director of Fisheries has reported.

John Barton commented: "This has resulted in a number of companies resolving outstanding payment issues so that licenses can be collected. There have also been some late expressions of interest in licenses." He said that at present numbers are similar to 2006 and "a bit down" on 2007. The season has started with reasonable catches, Mr Barton said. The new fishery protection vessel Protegatwill still take some time to arrive, he added, and in the meantime some, "alternative measures for fisheries protection" have been implemented. Ship agroundA Taiwanese jigger ran aground near Tussac Point in Port William last Friday. Win Fu Laiwas approaching Stanley to collect a license and Mr Barton said it seemed to have turned for the Narrows too soon and ran aground at the point at the north end of Hadassa Bay. No casualties or any sign of pollution was reported. The vessel did not take on water and it was believed to be on a soft bottom, with the tide rising when it grounded. Launches managed to shift the grounded vessel - a dive survey was carried out to rule out any damage, then the ship proceeded to fish. Penguin News