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Although the lifting of the measure provides relief to the actors in the sector, great challenges remain for the fishing industry.
The Shrimp Fishing Fleet Resumes Activities in Chubut Amid Divided Opinions
ARGENTINA
Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 04:00 (GMT + 9)
Starting on January 14, the shrimp fishing fleet in Chubut Province resumed operations following a temporary suspension ordered by the Chubut Secretariat of Fisheries
This pause, which began on January 7, aimed to protect small-sized shrimp and ensure the sustainability of the resource, in accordance with Resolutions No. 2/2025 (partial) and No. 8/2025 (covering the province's entire fishing effort area).
While the lifting of the measure provides relief to industry stakeholders, significant challenges remain for the fishing sector.
Since the night of Monday, January 13, Rawson’s port has been bustling with activity and anticipation, as the fleet prepares to catch larger shrimp sizes better aligned with current market demands.
A Market in Crisis
Despite the reopening, the market situation remains dire. Global demand for shrimp continues to be low, leaving tons of product stored in cold storage facilities with no clear destination. According to Pescare, commercial transactions are rare, and the few sales that are completed occur at prices equal to or lower than those of the previous season, undermining the industry’s profitability.
The disappearance of China as a primary market for Argentine shrimp has been particularly damaging. Exports to that country, especially shrimp from the southern zone (FAO 41), have plummeted and show no signs of recovery. Meanwhile, in Europe, although demand persists, current prices fail to cover Argentine companies' operating costs. This scenario particularly affects smaller sizes (L3 and L4), whose prices have collapsed, while larger sizes (L1 and L2) remain in demand but at prices that barely benefit producers.
Competition from Farmed Shrimp
The rise of farmed shrimp, particularly the Vannamei species, has also contributed to the crisis. In 2024, its production reached record levels, exceeding 1.2 million tons—a figure six times larger than the catches of Argentine wild shrimp. Although of lower quality, farmed shrimp has positioned itself as a cheaper alternative for consumers, displacing L3 and L4 shrimp from Chubut, which now faces fierce competition.
Photo: courtesy Revista Puerto
Divided Opinions on the Biological Ban
The recent ban imposed by Chubut has sparked mixed reactions within the industry. Some stakeholders believe the measure was appropriate to prevent the overexploitation of small shrimp. Others argue that a one-week suspension is insufficient for ocean currents to bring in larger specimens.
Additionally, some claim the ban was influenced by pressures from the yellow fleet (fresh catch), aiming to force processing plants to improve prices paid to vessels, which face high fixed costs and limited raw material availability. However, this stance seems contradictory in a context where stock levels are saturated, and sales are minimal.
Photo: courtesy Revista Puerto
A Strained Production Chain
The production chain is grappling with a deficit balance. While international prices remain low and activity costs have risen disproportionately, the clear beneficiaries have been the onboard workforce, suppliers of goods and services, and the state, through increasing tax pressure.
With over $1.2 billion in exports at stake, the industry faces a complex scenario where every sector link seems to have its own priorities and concerns. The central question remains: how can the economic and environmental sustainability of Argentine shrimp be ensured in this crisis?
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