Following its five-yearly Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessment, the South Georgia Patagonian toothfish longline fishery has, for the third time, been certified as a sustainable and well-managed fishery, according to the newsletter from the government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
The Falkland Islands government and local industry have given reassurances following cases of Covid-19 identified on Loligo fishing ships due to the Falklands from Galicia. Penguin News investigated reports of positive cases on vessels bound for the Islands and asked for comment from FIG, who responded in writing:
The departure of several fishing vessels scheduled to leave from Vigo, Galicia to the Falkland Islands' squid season, has been delayed because a few crew members tested positive for the coronavirus. Companies involved have undertaken the necessary and isolation measures, reports the local media.
The Falkland Islands government, FIG, announced on Monday measures to provide greater stability to the fishing industry by offering holders of Individual Transferable Quotas an optional extension for a 25-year period of their current rights beyond the expiry date of 2031.
Argentina's squid season takes off next Saturday, Jan 16, south of parallel 44, according to the Federal Fisheries Council. The decision follows a technical-scientific report from the country's research institute, Inidep, which emphasized that jiggers can begin operating on the Spring Spawning Stock, (SDV), and avoiding the South Patagonic Stock.
The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA, has taken the initiative in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing.
Falkland Islands European Union exports are now subject to tariffs due to the UK not obtaining an agreement on behalf of the Falklands in relation to Brexit. On Wednesday, Legislative Assembly members released an opinion piece that expressed disappointment and frustration.
In anticipation of events to the new tariffs the Falkland Islands exports to the European Union must pay as the United Kingdom failed in obtaining an agreement on behalf of the islands in relation to Brexit, the Falkland Islands Fisheries Association released the following statement last December 12:
Seafood exporters have claimed post-Brexit customs arrangements are causing delays as entire trailers need to be checked rather than samples. The Scottish Seafood Association says exports to the EU are being hit by red tape delays in Scotland and France.
The following piece by Gidget Fuentes in USNI News offers an account of the mission of USCGC (WMSL/758) Stone, fresh from Shipyard and Quarantine, and which departed Mississippi on 22 December for Southern Atlantic Patrol: