MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine squid industry demands research cruises

Squid Jigger<br>(Photo FIS)

Argentina's Federal Fisheries Council (CFP) has formally requested an immediate alternative for the annual scientific cruises to assess the biomass of squid (Illex argentinus), data considered essential for the management of the fisheries.

The cruises are normally done by the National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP) which is responsible for scientific data and research into Argentina's fisheries, but is currently paralyzed because of industrial action by the institute's unions. This includes the crew of the scientific research vessel Dr. Eduardo Holmberg. "Postponing or suspending surveys and the resulting schedule changes for sample testing will affect the fisheries research model, and inevitably complicate the collection of reliable technical information" stated CFP in the official request. "It's essential to maximise every possible effort so that CFP can have first hand and reliable survey data in due time" council members insisted. Although the scientific assessment on squid is running behind schedule, CFP would like to see a repeat of the methodology carried out on shrimp in the San Jorge Gulf. In related news the Argentina's Fisheries department from the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Secretariat (SAGP&A) reported that between January first and March 27, squid landings amounted to 23,571.5 tons, which represents 72% drop compared to the same period in 2007. Argentina's squid season this year has bees so far rather anemic with only 55 jiggers actually operating which is slightly more than half the fleet. Furthermore some vessels only began catches as late as March as a result of limited market demand and low prices. INIDEP also acknowledged that specimen sizes this season are small with most jiggers harvesting squid of S and M sizes. "Catch volumes are average, 25 to 30 tons per day, though specimen weight is less than desirable for this time of year" confirmed INIDEP according to Pesca & Puertos reports. Of that total volume, 8.967 tons of squid were landed at Puerto Deseado, Santa Cruz; 7.964 tons at Puerto Madryn, Chubut and 5.702 tons in Mar del Plata. Lower landing volumes were reported at Rawson, Chubut, with 671.3 tons; Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, with 131.6 tons; Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, with 54.3 tons and San Antonio Este, Rio Negro, with 78.3 tons. Argentine jiggers landed 17.754.1 tons of squid while trawler vessels 5.212 tons. Another 525.6 tons were unloaded by fresh fish vessels; 59.9 tons by surimi vessels; 18 tons by coastal vessels and 2.3 tons by estuary vessels.(FIS/MP).-