The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) and the Falkland Islands Fishing Companies Association (FIFCA) have agreed an Accord to underpin the future of the industry. The Accord acknowledges that the Falkland Islands has a strong commitment to quality, sustainability and the environment.
A UK/Falklands-Argentina meeting of the South Atlantic Scientific Sub-Committee scheduled for January is “unlikely” to take place, the Falklands lawmaker MLA Teslyn Barkman told Penguin News. The prospect of this happening and “taking Britain out of the comfort zone enjoyed” until now, had been advanced by Mercopress.
A detailed assessment is to be carried out into the potential development of an aquaculture industry in the Falkland Islands, it was announced by the government. The proposal is at a very early stage and the Falkland Islands Government needs to improve its understanding of the industry before making a commitment to any go-ahead.
Falkland Islands fishing company representatives led by Stuart Wallace of Fortuna Ltd condemned the 50% rise in toothfish and calamari fishery fees at the Fisheries Committee meeting.
The announcement by the Falkland Islands Executive Council referred to ITQ fees, particularly toothfish and calamari, which would represent an annual £3.9 million additional income for government coffers, was contrasted by a release from the Falklands' seafood sector pointing out that “to increase quota access fees paid by local fishing companies by 50% will increase costs to the industry by £4 million per annum”
The decision of the recent meeting of Executive Council attended by MLA Elsby, Bragger and Edwards, to increase quota access fees paid by local fishing companies by 50% will increase costs to the industry by £4 Million per annum. The hike is targeted at the Loligo and toothfish quota holders.
A major review of the Falkland Island fisheries establishes a strong foundation, building on what has already been achieved. Executive Council (ExCo) has adopted a number of recommendations from a review carried out in 2018 by New Zealand consultants Terra Moana, of the Falkland Islands’ Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) system.
Falkland Islands' catches for calamari squid and hake have risen substantially over five years. Statistics were outlined at Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
In a joint initiative between the Falkland Islands government and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, an agricultural exchange visit to Uruguay is being arranged for September 2019.
The value of the Falkland Islands wool clip has increased by around 11% over the past six years, or £1 million at today’s wool prices announced MLA Teslyn Barkman at the most recent meeting of Legislative Assembly.