The summer spawning stock (SDV) of Illex squid in the Argentine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has begun to show signs of depletion after an exceptional start to the season for the national jigging fleet.

During the first weeks of the 2026 fishing season, vessels recorded average catches of 36.3 tons per day, a level considered very high for this fishery. However, in recent days daily production has dropped to around 14 tons, according to reports from industry actors cited by Revista Puerto.

Decline in yields in the main fishing area

The decrease was recorded during the past week in the main distribution area of the SDV, located between 44° S and 47° S and between the meridians 62° W and 64° W, outside the continental shelf. Around 80 jigging vessels are currently operating in this area.

Until last week, statistical rectangle 4563 had concentrated 43.6% of the total catch, with 35,262 tons, averaging about 43 tons per day.

The next most productive areas were:

• Statistical rectangle 4663: 16,433 tons (20.3% of the total)

• Statistical rectangle 4562: 11,935 tons (14.8% of the catch)

More details about the characteristics of recent catches will be known when the Federal Fisheries Council (CFP) receives the new technical report prepared by researchers from theINIDEP Cephalopod Program.

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“It shows signs of depletion,” one shipowner familiar with the most recent catch performance told Revista Puerto.

Record landings so far this season

Despite the recent drop in catches, the overall balance of the season remains highly positive.

By March 3, squid landings reached 123,679 tons, representing an increase of 99% compared with the same period last year.

The contribution by fleet type was as follows:

• Jigging fleet: 105,000 tons (+100% year-on-year)

• Freezer trawlers: 17,208 tons (+99% compared with 2025)

• Fresh trawlers: 1,353 tons (+34%)

Uncertainty over the South Patagonian stock

With the decline in SDV catches, one of the main questions is where the fleet will migrate if the downward trend consolidates.

Some vessels moved south of 49° S in search of the South Patagonian stock (SSP), but the results were disappointing.

Expectations were based on data from an INIDEP research survey carried out last month, which covered a large part of the potential distribution area of this stock. However, the survey did not confirm a significant presence.

“They didn’t find it, or they found very little… We thought it might be in another area not covered by the survey hauls and could migrate later, but the results were still not satisfactory,” another industry source told Revista Puerto.

Photo: courtesy Revista Puerto

Expectations for the Bonaerense North Patagonian stock

Another alternative for the fleet is the Northern Management Unit, north of 44° S, where fishing for the Bonaerense North Patagonian stock (SBNP) becomes allowed starting April 1.

For now, there are no clear signals about the level of abundance that this stock will present.

Some fresh trawler shipowners carried out exploratory hauls while operating for hake and shrimp around 41° S. In those hauls squid appeared in some sets, although their size was still very small.

Photo: courtesy Revista Puerto

After such an extraordinary start to the season, well beyond forecasts, no one in the sector objects to waiting a few more days to see whether the SSP south of 49° S appears or whether the SBNP in the Northern Management Unit increases in weight and size.

Landings by port

Regarding squid landings by port up to March 3, the ranking is led by Puerto Madryn, followed by Puerto Deseado and Mar del Plata:

• Puerto Madryn: 60,207 tons (+88% year-on-year)

• Puerto Deseado: 38,217 tons (+85% compared with 2025)

• Mar del Plata: 21,234 tons (+146% compared with last year)

Photo: courtesy Revista Puerto

The data confirm that, despite the recent slowdown in catches, the 2026 Illex squid season in the Argentine EEZ remains one of the most productive in recent years, according to the information published by Revista Puerto.

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