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Photo: Stockfile/FIS
Argentina's Squid Fishing Season Kicks Off: Jigging Vessels Head South of 49°S to Target Argentine Shortfin Squid
ARGENTINA
Wednesday, January 08, 2025, 06:50 (GMT + 9)
The 2025 Argentine shortfin squid (Illex argentinus) fishing season is officially underway, with Argentina's first fleet of squid fishing vessels setting sail.
Meanwhile, international fishing fleets, particularly from South Korea, are becoming increasingly active near the 200-nautical-mile boundary of Argentina's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), reporting impressive initial catches, according to the Zhejiang Zhoushan International Agricultural Products Trading Center.
The international fleet operates outside the 200-mile limit of the Argentine EEZ
Argentine Fleet Takes to the Seas
To mark the start of the squid season, Argentine-flagged vessels have departed from several ports nationwide. Among the first to set sail were Ho Yu 9, Zhou Yu 9, Esperanza 909, and Hai De Li 701, departing from the Port of Buenos Aires following dry dock repairs. Similarly, Hu Yu 961, Hu Yu 962, Hu Shun Yu 06, and Hu Shun Yu 07 left the Port of Belgrano. Additionally, the Lu Qing Yuan Yu fleet (280, 286, 287, 275, 277) and Esther 153 departed after a brief anchorage outside port facilities.
Photo: Stockfile/FIS
Although these vessels operate under the Argentine flag and are run by Argentine companies, many are financed by Chinese capital. Key operational roles on board, such as fishing and mechanical duties, are typically filled by Asian crew members. However, in compliance with Argentine law, senior officers aboard these vessels must be Argentine nationals.
Fishing Zones and Regulatory Framework
The Argentine fleet plans to focus its efforts between latitudes 44°S and 49°S in the northern section of the South Atlantic, where past data indicates high squid density and favorable commercial quality.
Photo: Stockfile/FIS
According to Federal Fisheries Council Resolution No. 22/2024, the fishing season is structured into three distinct phases:
- From January 2: Fishing is permitted between 49° and 52°S.
- From January 7: Vessels that have operated south of 49°S for at least three days are authorized to fish south of 44°S.
- From January 12: All other vessels may begin operations south of 44°S latitude.
The activity of international fishing fleets just outside Argentina’s EEZ serves as a key indicator of the squid season's start.
International Fleet Activity Near the EEZ
There has been a marked increase in international fishing activity outside Argentina's EEZ, particularly between 45°S and 46°30´S, close to the 200-nautical-mile boundary. These fleets comprise vessels migrating from the Indian Ocean via the Atlantic, as well as those traveling through the Beagle Channel and around Cape Horn from waters near Peru.
Photo: Stockfile/FIS
In recent weeks, the size of these fleets has expanded significantly, with over 10 vessels in each group. While exact numbers are unavailable, estimates suggest that approximately 300 foreign vessels, predominantly from China and South Korea, are operating near Argentina's EEZ as of early 2025.
Initial Catch Data and Outlook
Preliminary data indicate fluctuating catches, with daily averages of 28 tons per vessel. South Korean fleets, in particular, have reported significantly higher daily yields compared to others, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF).
Photo: Stockfile/FIS
A Resource of Economic and Strategic Importance
The opening of the squid fishing season represents a critical opportunity for the Argentine fishing economy, with high expectations for robust yields within the EEZ. The Argentine shortfin squid is not only a valuable economic resource but also central to understanding the interplay between local and international fishing operations in the South Atlantic.
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