Photo: magyp.gob.ar

Argentina’s Fishing Industry Closed 2025 with More Than 828,000 Tons Landed

ARGENTINA
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 05:10 (GMT + 9)

Squid led annual growth, while shrimp declined sharply due to an atypical fishing season

Argentina’s fishing catches reached 828,271 tons in 2025, consolidating a level of activity that remained virtually stable compared to the previous year, according to official data from the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, under the Ministry of Economy of the Nation.

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Between January 1 and December 31, 2025, total maritime landings at Argentine ports included all commercial species of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, confirming the strategic role of the fishing sector as one of the country’s main foreign-currency generators. Historically, the fishing industry contributes more than US$2 billion per year in exports and generates direct and indirect employment for over 100,000 workers, mainly in Patagonia and Buenos Aires Province.

Photo: magyp.gob.ar

Main species landed

Of the total 828,271 tons, the three most important species in Argentina’s fishing grounds accounted for the bulk of the volume:

• Hake (Merluccius hubbsi – S41 stock): 291,418 tons

• Squid (Illex argentinus): 208,737 tons

• Shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri): 184,600 tons

In year-on-year terms, overall volume remained stable compared to 2024, when 823,282 tons were reported—just 4,989 tons less than in 2025.

Photo: magyp.gob.ar

Comparison with 2024: Squid Up, Shrimp Down

The annual analysis cannot ignore the atypical shrimp fishing season in national waters, which left more than 100 freezer and fresh-fish vessels idle for over three months, due to operational conflicts and adverse biological conditions.

• Shrimp:

  • 2025: 184,600 tons

  • 2024: 222,163 tons

In contrast, the squid jigging fleet recorded one of its best performances in recent years:

• Illex squid:

  • 2025: 208,737 tons

  • 2024: 154,956 tons

Meanwhile, hake (Merluccius hubbsi, S41 stock) showed remarkable stability:

• 2025: 291,418 tons

• 2024: 293,970 tons

Landings by Port: Mar del Plata Widens Its Lead

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The port of Mar del Plata reaffirmed its historical supremacy as Argentina’s main fishing hub, accounting for nearly 50% of the national total.

• Mar del Plata: 400,810 tons

• Puerto Madryn: 145,801 tons

• Rawson: 105,481 tons

• Puerto Deseado: 58,856 tons

• Caleta Paula: 35,324 tons

• Comodoro Rivadavia: 22,297 tons

• Ushuaia: 21,447 tons

Where the Main Species Were Landed

Hake

• Mar del Plata: 192,125 tons

• Caleta Paula: 33,152 tons

• Comodoro Rivadavia: 21,626 tons

• Puerto Madryn: 20,508 tons

• Puerto Deseado: 14,799 tons

Illex Squid

• Mar del Plata: 99,697 tons

• Puerto Madryn: 65,914 tons

• Puerto Deseado: 36,248 tons

Shrimp

• Rawson: 103,007 tons

• Puerto Madryn: 59,454 tons

• Mar del Plata: 8,648 tons

• Puerto Deseado: 5,228 tons

Final Balance

The close of 2025 leaves a scenario of production stability, with strong squid performance, a consolidated hake fishery, and a shrimp sector affected by operational and biological factors. Looking ahead to 2026, Argentina’s fishing industry faces the challenge of improving predictability, strengthening sustainable resource management, and regaining competitiveness in international markets.

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