Argentina's National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development, INIDEP, has started a scientific survey aimed at assessing the Southern king crab (Lithodes santolla) in its central Patagonian distribution area. This is the third consecutive year in which the survey is carried out and includes the San Jorge Gulf and platform waters, between 43° 30 'and 48° South latitude, in jurisdictions of the Nation, and Chubut and Santa Cruz provinces.