MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina bans Illex squid catches for 30 days: average size is below 800 grams

Squid landings until 18 July reached 163.216 tons according to CFP

Following on recommendations from scientific cruise surveys Argentina’s Federal Fisheries Council, CFP, decided to temporarily ban Illex squid catching operations, north of 44o South, with the purpose of giving the cephalopods time to increase in size.

According to the National Institute of Fisheries Research and Development, Inidep the ban which has been in effect since last 8 July, and for a period of 30 days, was imposed so that squid from the north Patagonian area of Buenos Aires stock (SBN) can grow steadily to reach a rough average individual weight of 800 grams by the end of August 2013.

In addition, it will allow the squid from the stock spawning in spring (SDP) to remain on the platform, growing at a slower pace, so as to reach 800 grams on average per specimen in late October.

CPF statement was in response to letters from the Argentine Chamber of Jigger Ship-owners, CAPA, the Chamber of Fisheries and Freezer Vessel Owners of Argentina, CAPECA and the Argentine Fisheries Business Council, CEPA, requesting the reasons for the ban measures.

Data obtained so far indicates that there is a clear recovery of the squid fishery throughout this harvest period, considered the best in the last five years in terms of volume.

Stats from the Under Secretariat of Fisheries show that between January first and 18 July this year a total of 163.216.6 tons of squid have been landed in Argentine ports. Out of that total, 136,797 tons were contributed by jiggers, while trawlers unloaded 19,793.1 tons.

Inidep estimates the global catch of squid in the South Atlantic region is around 390,000 tons, including Falkland Islands catches of some 140,000 tons, and another 100.000 tons in the adjacent area or plus 200 miles zone. (FIS)