Squid, Illex argentinus. (Photo:Pasqualinonet)

Squid fishing interrupted due to low weight

ARGENTINA
Monday, July 22, 2013, 23:20 (GMT + 9)

The Federal Fisheries Council (CFP) explains that the decision to temporarily cancel fishing operations for squid (Illex argentinus) has the aim to allow specimens that are located north of 44° S to increase their size. The ban was implemented following the recommendations made by the National Institute of Fisheries Research and Development (Inidep).

The measure, which has been in effect since 8 July and will be so for a period of 30 days, was set so that the 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.

The CFP made the clarification in response to the notes sent by the Argentinean Chamber of Jigger Shipowners (CAPA), the Chamber of Fisheries and Freezer Vessel Owners of Argentina (Capeca) and the Argentinean Fisheries Business Council (CEPA), which requested details of the measure.

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

Meanwhile, statistics from the Undersecretariat of Fisheries of the Nation show that between 1 January and 18 July this year a total of 163,216.6 tonnes of squid was landed.

Out of that total, 136,797 tonnes were contributed by jiggers, while trawlers unloaded 19,793.1 tonnes.

The Inidep estimates the global catch of squid in the South Atlantic region is around 390,000 tonnes, including the captures from the Falkland Islands (140,000 tonnes) and the Adjacent Area (100,000 tonnes), Pescare reported.

By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.fis.com

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