Anchovy and mackerel with their respective maps indicating the fishing areas during their usual seasons.

While they fight over the hake...Who looks at the anchovy and the mackerel?

ARGENTINA
Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

At the last meeting of the Federal Fisheries Council, the status of the populations of southern and pelagic fish, as well as the coastal variety and the king crab, was presented, establishing the maximum recommended catches, according to Revista Puerto in its article entitled "State of populations and maximum catches".

We will focus on the pelagic species, which are often left out of the agenda, and the usual disputes between Argentine shipowners, even though there are real "wars" over these species in Europe and Asia. Beyond a 'cultural' problem, where historically hake and shrimp have been prioritized, the necessary support and development by the national authorities is lacking to attract the interest of investors and give these species the recognition they deserve.

ANCHOVY (Engraulis anchoita)

Regarding the anchovy stock north of parallel 41° S, the population is considered to be healthy, although a precautionary approach is recommended, suggesting maintaining the figure of 120,000 tons of Maximum Allowable Catch (CMP) for the year 2024.

Regarding the evolution of the stock south of parallel 41° S, the report indicates that the results are similar to previous studies, highlighting low exploitation of the resource and moderate variations in the number, recommending a catch of 96,000 tons.

Source: Association for the Development of Argentine Fisheries (ADPA).

The National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP) has recorded a maximum size of 21 cm, while the most common sizes in commercial catches range between 14 and 19 cm. Regarding its distribution, at least two population groups have been identified in the region south of 34° S: the Buenos Aires and Patagonian groups, separated approximately by the 41° S parallel. The northern group carries out an annual migratory cycle: it concentrates in the north in winter, descends in spring towards the south along the Buenos Aires coast to reproduce, disperses in summer on the high seas to feed, and then ascends towards its winter concentration area. The movement pattern of the Patagonian population is unknown.

MACKEREL (Scomber japonicus marplatensis and Scomber colias)

The diagnosis of mackerel south of the 39° S parallel reveals that the relationship between reproductive biomass (RB) and virgin reproductive biomass (VRB) has shown a variable trend but always remains above the Limiting Biological Reference Point (LBRP). Therefore, it is recommended to maintain the catch of 29,900 tons for 2024.

Regarding the northern stock, it is reported that the absence of an abundance index prevents establishing a direct relationship between the catch and the abundance of the resource, limiting the use of capture models.

Source: Association for the Development of Argentine Fisheries (ADPA). Click on the image to enlarge it.

INIDEP has observed a maximum size of 57 cm, with more frequent sizes in commercial catches that vary between 20 and 45 cm. Adults are found on the coast of Mar del Plata from September to February, a period in which they migrate to reproduce and feed intensely. In August, large schools were detected south of the Province of Buenos Aires (El Rincón) and in northern Patagonia. Juveniles are captured throughout the year on the Uruguayan coast and as far as Mar del Plata, and juveniles have been recorded in El Rincón, which could belong to a population other than that of Mar del Plata.

CONCLUSIONS

The information collected by the Pelagic Fish Fishery Program, based on landings, allows us to infer that the exploitation is mainly focused on adult specimens. The length and age structure remains stable interannually and the biological parameters do not show significant changes. Therefore, and considering the average landings of recent years (around 1,000 tons), it is suggested to maintain the catch recommendation of previous years, set at 14,200 tons.

PERSPECTIVES

The situation of pelagic species, such as anchovy and mackerel, is of great relevance since their demand in the canning industry is crucial both nationally and internationally. As they are "seasonal" species, they do not guarantee shipowners continuity throughout the year. Therefore, it would be essential to explore alternatives that improve both the quantity and quality of their catch.

Above, two jars of anchovies sold in Argentina. Below, the classic can of anchovy consumed internationally.

In addition, the canned food industry in Argentina faces the challenge of modernizing its presentation and reducing prices to consumers. Offering modern metal containers with opening systems and products of better quality and added value would be viable only if more abundant and higher-quality raw materials were available.

Above, canned mackerel is offered in the Argentine domestic market. Although the cans do not have an 'easy' opening, mackerel has remains of viscera, skin, and bones inside, which makes it unattractive for consumption. Below is canned mackerel internationally.

Currently, the focus in Argentina is on shrimp and hake. Claudio Buratti, David Garciarena, and Paula Orlando, members of INIDEP's Pelagic Fish Fisheries Program, stated in an interview with Revista Puerto in 2021: "There is anchovy and mackerel; what is missing are boats that fish them."

It is assumed that over time, anchovy and mackerel could be integrated into innovative projects related to capture, logistics, and processing. Only in this way will consumer interest and increased demand be able to boost an industry that already has significant weight in other countries.

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