Photo: Revista Puerto/FIS

Shrimp season begins in Chubut: Rawson fishermen accept the price of US$ 0.84

ARGENTINA
Thursday, October 30, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

The United Maritime Workers' Union (SOMU), following an assembly in Rawson, adheres to the values already agreed upon by the rest of the unions, clearing the way for the start of the prospecting and the shrimp season in provincial waters.

The shrimp season in Chubut province has finally begun after the United Maritime Workers Union (SOMU)accepted a price of $1,250 (approximately US$0.84) per kilogram of shrimp for production costs, the same amount that the other unions had agreed to 45 days prior. The decision was made by the sailors of Rawson in a vote that ended the delay. According to Nelson Saldivia, writing for Revista Puerto, there had been speculation that the union was waiting for a post-election devaluation to pressure for a higher price.

Area under restricted provincial administration (yellow)

A month and a half after other unions, SOMU convened its members for an assembly at the union headquarters in the capital of Chubut province. There, they resolved to accept the proposal from the Chubut Yellow Fleet Chamber (CAFACh). This offer had already been endorsed by the Association of Captains, Pilots, and Fishing Masters; the Argentine Naval Drivers' Union (SICONARA); and the Center of Fishing and Coastal Shipping Masters and Officers.

The agreement establishes that the value of the kilogram of 'langostino al barrer' (shrimp on the sweep) will be $1,250 to settle the production concept, effective from November 1 until December 31. Starting in January 2026, this value will rise to $1,300 (approximately US$ 0.91) until the close of the season in provincial waters. An update of the fixed items within the framework of the joint salary negotiations was also agreed upon.

Port of Rawson and the yellow shrimp fleet. Photo: Revista Puerto

The Government of Chubut had conditioned the call for a commercial prospecting —necessary to evaluate the biological state of the resource— on all joint salary agreements being homologated, seeking to avoid conflicts.

With the imminent signing between SOMU and CAFACh, the start of the prospecting is enabled. It is anticipated that this will begin as soon as weather conditions improve, and if the biological parameters are favorable, the official opening of the commercial fishery could occur during the next week.

photo: Revista Puerto

The SOMU's decision generated relief in the Chubut fishing industry and among the thousands of workers in the processing plants, who are ready to return to operation. It is noteworthy that the previous season in Rawson (2024/2025) recorded historic catches of more than 106 thousand tons of shrimp, although international prices, at the start of this new harvest, would be around $1.80 (compared to the $2 that was previously paid to the boats).

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