MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina confirms poor squid season and closes fishery south of parallel 44

Squid seems to have disappeared

Argentina’s squid fishery to the south of parallel 44º was closed last Friday. The measure adopted by the Federal Fisheries Council (CFP) follows scientific information furnished by the National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP).

The decision was based on data available up to last 14 April and referred to catches, fishing effort, biological sampling and operational areas, among others.

“As of week seven, there were numerous attempts along the entire region to the south of 44° S to locate the Southern Patagonian Stock (SSP) but all of them proved unfruitful” is was explained.

The scarce abundance of the SSP coincided with the advancement of the fleet towards the north, which is why the Council did nothing more than confirm officially what was effectively happening in the area.

“In general terms, the greatest proportion of catches fell on the Spawning Summer Stock (SDV) with the best yields (10.7 tons p/day) during the month of February” disclosed INIDEP researchers.

This means another dismal season, with barely 36,000 tons landed, not enough to compensate for the price rally on the international market. The discouraging season is reflected in the number of jiggers still operating in Argentine waters: six, according to the Fisheries Sub Secretary registry.

“Squid catches are insufficient to cover costs. For different reasons we have been experiencing a slow agony for the last four years” said fishing companies.

The scenario is no better at mile 201, to the south of parallel 44º, where according to INIDEP estimates, only 10.000 tons were captured. (FIS/MP).-