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Authorities and operators favor an early closure to ensure a successful second season
Falkland Islands Close Loligo Squid First Season Early Due to Size and Maturity Concerns
FALKLAND ISLANDS
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)
Government Fisheries Department acts to protect future stock viability after monitoring reveals declining maturity levels and small squid influx, disappointing some industry expectations.
The Falkland Islands Government Fisheries Department has announced the closure of the first Loligo squid fishing season on Sunday, April 27th. This decision follows close monitoring of squid size and maturity throughout the season, particularly in light of issues experienced during the second season in the past two years.
A modern Falkland Islands trawler monitors seal mortality and the effectiveness of mitigation devices while collecting Loligo squid biometric data. (Photo: MRAG)
Concerns regarding the maturity levels of catches prompted the closure of two grid squares to fishing on April 9th. Subsequently, industry stakeholders raised alarms about an influx of small squid being caught in three grid squares surrounding Beauchene Island. Following a thorough review of size data by the Fisheries Department, a decision was made on April 25th to immediately close these three specific grid squares to fishing. Additionally, a 48-hour notice of season closure was issued, effectively ending the first season on April 27th. This date aligns with the originally planned end date prior to the season's delayed opening.
These proactive measures were implemented to maximize the potential for a viable second Loligo squid fishing season later in the year. The Fisheries Department will now collaborate closely with the fishing industry to identify key areas for future research and cooperation to ensure the long-term sustainability of Loligo stocks.
 James Wilson, Head of Natural Resources Director, commented on the decision, stating, “April 27th was the pre-determined closing date. While we could have considered some compensatory fishing days due to the initial season delay, the prevalence of small-sized squid in recent catches led us to adhere to the planned closure date to prioritize the protection of the second season.”
Sources in Galicia indicate that Spanish associates of Falkland Islands fishing companies had been forewarned of the sensitive stock situation based on scientific assessments, mitigating surprise at the closure. However, these companies, in particular, had anticipated a possible extension of the season until May 3rd, a prospect rendered unfeasible by the lower-than-average biomass. By the end of March, total catches had reached approximately 22,000 tons, significantly below the typical average of 30,000 tons according to Vigo sources.
This year's decision by the Falkland Islands fisheries authorities follows the complete suspension of the second Loligo season in the previous year (August/October), a period during which fishing companies invested tens of millions of dollars in acquiring advanced fishing vessels.
Source: MercoPress
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