MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina opens squid season to the north given poor catches south of parallel 44

The decision was taken on request from the industry and jiggers are expected to move north by April 15

Argentina’s Federal Fisheries Council, CFP, advanced fifteen days to April 15 the opening of the Illex squid fishery to the north of parallel 44°. The measure was taken after considering petitions from the Argentine Fishing Industry Chamber (CAIPA) and the Council of Argentine Fisheries Firms (CEPA), given the poor catch volumes of squid to the south of parallel 44.

Some jiggers are expected to move northwards with the aim of obtaining good squid catches, although that area does not usually offer large volumes.

According to data furnished by the Argentine Fisheries Under Secretariat 23.483 tons of Illex squid were landed between 1 January and 7 April which is 34.5% below the same period a year ago when the volume reached 35.837 tons.

Landings in Mar del Plata reached 13.325 tons; Madryn port, Chubut, 6.480 tons and Puerto Deseado, Santa Cruz, 2.505 tons, among the main terminals.

According to official data, jigger vessels landed 18,192 tons of squid; trawlers 3.817 tons and fresh fish vessels 1.416 tons.

Once the fishery is opened to the north, the sector will be eagerly awaiting news on the size of the squid catches and how this will impact the trend in prices.

The Argentine measure follows the recent decision by the Argentine-Uruguayan Joint Technical Commission for the Maritime Front, (CTMFM), which manages River Plate estuary resources which opened the squid season in the Common Fishing Zone (ZCP) last April first.

CTMFM will be assessing the state of the resource at a plenary session to be held next July, when it will decide on the closure date for the season, based on technical and research information furnished by both sides. (FIS/MP).-