Fish processing plant. (Photo: Moscuzza)

Exported seafood volume continues increasing

ARGENTINA
Monday, September 23, 2013, 22:30 (GMT + 9)

Argentina exported 277,314 tonnes of seafood between January and August, 2013, a figure that shows a rise of 9.6 per cent compared to the same period in 2012, when 252,956 tonnes were shipped abroad.

According to statistics from the National Health and Food Quality Service (Senasa), in the first eight months of this year 158,029 tonnes of fish were exported, 0.9 per cent more than in the same period in 2012 (156,517 tonnes).

Until August 119,285 tonnes of shellfish were also exported, 23.6 per cent more than in the same time last year, when 96,439 tonnes were sold overseas.

The highest export record was that of squid (Illex argentinus), with 76,403 tonnes, 21.2 per cent more than the 63,018 tonnes exported between January and August 2012.

It was followed by that of hake (Merluccius hubbsi), with 74,643 tonnes, 4.4 per cent more than during the first eight months of last year (71,455 tonnes), and that of shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), with 35,864 tonnes, 29.6 per cent more than during the same period last year (27,652 tonnes).

Among the resources that increased their shipments abroad is the anchovy (Engraulis anchovy), whose sales grew 1.3 per cent, from 5,287 tonnes between January and August of 2012 to 5,358 tonnes in the same period of 2013.

More stingray was also exported (Potamotrygon brachyura), which changed from 2,856 tonnes to 3,822 tonnes (33.8 per cent); Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica), which changed from 3,733 to 4,402 tonnes (17.9 per cent); and trout (Cynoscion striatus), ranging from 9,650 to 10,559 tonnes (9.4 per cent).

The species that recorded declines when comparing the first eight months of 2013 with those from last year were:

• Hoki (Macruronus magellanicus): 21.3 per cent (from 12,362 to 9,738 tonnes);
• Whitemouth craoker (Micropogonias furnieri): 5.8 per cent (from 24,927 to 23,497 tonnes);
• Pollock (Genypterus blacodes): 4.3 per cent (from 1,665 to 1,595 tonnes).

Starting this year, Senasa does not report the values of fish exports.

By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

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