MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine makes compulsory Load Control Certificates for squid and shrimp

The expanded control's system for shrimp and squid becomes compulsory as of next November first

Argentina announced it has expanded the implementation of compulsory origin and legality certification for squid (Illex argentinus) and shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) catches.

 The measure has been adopted in the framework of FAO's Fisheries Committee International Action Plan, which Argentina focuses on the national plan to prevent, deter and eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Activity, PAN-IUU.

The system of issuing Load Control Certificates has been designed to strengthen and improve controls required for processing permits in species caught in Argentine waters. It establishes mandatory administrative mechanisms to prove the legality of catches in order to provide sustainability to fisheries resources.

The Load Control System began to be implemented in 2014 for the white-mouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri), and in October 2015 other species were added: hake (Merluccius hubbsi), hoki (Macruronus magellanicus), Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides), southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis), scallops (Zygochlamis patagonica), pollock (Genypterus blacodes) and stingray.

The incorporation of squid and shrimp to this control system will become effective next November first, according to Provision 78/16 published in the Official Gazette which has the signature of Fisheries Undersecretary, Tomas Gerpe. (FIS)