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What is happening with the quota allocation for Patagonian hake? CAPEAR ALFA asks: Do they want to auction it off?

ARGENTINA
Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

The issue of the Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) for Patagonian hake has plunged the fishing sector into uncertainty, raising serious questions about the Government's stance. CAPEAR ALFA has openly questioned whether the objective is to amend the Fisheries Law, seek more revenue, or simply avoid making decisions. Thus, a year marked by fruitless debates and unresolved tensions comes to a close, reports Karina Fernandez in Revista Puerto.

An Accidental Start to 2024

The year began with concerns over a bill that threatened to dismantle, in what seemed like a “legislative chainsaw,” the Federal Fisheries Law. This regulation, the result of broad consensus, has provided legal, environmental, and labor security to the sector. Among its achievements is ensuring that quotas are allocated to those who maintain registered employment, invest in the industry, comply with authorized catches, and avoid accumulating infractions.

However, its effective implementation has stalled. Rumors suggest that the Government is evaluating "alternatives," but the lack of clarity is causing unease.

The situation brings to mind the controversial video recorded by Federico Sturzenegger, the current minister, at the start of his political career. In it, his proposal for a "framework law" completely overlooked the needs of the fishing sector. Although the topic was barely addressed, the project aimed to dismantle the current regulations, stripping the Federal Fisheries Council and provincial authorities of their powers. Additionally, it allowed practices harmful to sustainability, such as unloading fish at any port without biological control, unlimited incorporation of foreign crew members, and international bidding for quotas upon the expiration of current terms.

The fishing industry, supported by scientists and provincial representatives, managed to stop this initial threat by explaining to legislators and the media that dismantling the Federal Fisheries Law would destroy the industry.

A Year of Confrontations

After this partial victory, calm was short-lived. For the rest of the year, the sector had to contend with the inflammatory statements of Minister Sturzenegger, who accused them of being "thieves" who "take everything" and leave only "0.15%" for the country. In reality, according to the industry's calculations, the sector's effective contribution reaches 40% through taxes, social charges, and export duties.

Reversing this public perception has been a titanic effort. Companies, focused on keeping the industry operational, lack the time and political resources to counter such a damaging narrative.

Quota Allocation: Between Uncertainty and Suspicion

Adding to macroeconomic challenges and internal tensions is a critical problem: the lack of progress in allocating quotas for Patagonian hake. Despite the Fisheries Law remaining in effect, the Government has not implemented it to renew and redistribute these quotas.

The sector's questions persist: Do they want to auction off the quota? asks CAPEAR ALFA. Are they looking to change the law? questions Solimeno. Ventura La Fuente, meanwhile, notes that despite the initial goodwill of the Undersecretary of Fisheries, the process has stalled due to a "problem" that no one clearly identifies.

The situation is further complicated by rumors of an alleged bribery request related to the quota allocation, fueling suspicions of potential irregularities. Meanwhile, the sector insists that enforcing the current law is the only way to ensure stability and avoid further obstacles in an industry that provides jobs for tens of thousands of workers and generates $2 billion in annual revenue.

The Path to a Decision

If the Government seeks to amend the rules, it must do so through the legislative process. Until that happens, the current legislation must be enforced. However, delays in quota redistribution threaten to further disrupt the sector's dynamics.

On December 11, the Federal Fisheries Council authorities will meet with industry representatives. Perhaps then, a path toward clarity can be set, allowing this key sector of the national economy to regain its footing.

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