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FIG Press Statement - 070825 - 48-Hour Notice of Closure Issued for the Loligo Fishery
Falkland Islands Loligo Season Ends Early for Third Straight Year, Raising Industry Concerns
FALKLAND ISLANDS
Friday, August 08, 2025, 17:00 (GMT + 9)
Conservation-Driven Closure Sparks Fears Over Industry's Future
STANLEY — The Falkland Islands' (Islas Malvinas) winter loligo squid season has been closed after just 12 days of fishing, marking the third consecutive year of a significantly shortened or failed season. While the government has cited conservation as the reason for the closure, industry members are expressing serious concern over the financial repercussions for their businesses and employees.
The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) announced the closure after scientific data showed a dramatic decline in the squid population. The initial biomass estimate of over 29,735 tonnes was quickly revised downward, with the mean biomass estimate ultimately falling to 14,722 tonnes within the first two weeks. The FIG explained that the closure was a necessary step for the "conservation and long-term sustainability of the stock." A scientific survey is being planned to reassess the biomass and determine if the season can be reopened.
.png) For many in the fishing industry, the closure highlights a worrying trend. One business owner, speaking anonymously, noted that the "predictably robust seasons" mentioned in official statements haven't been a reality since 2022, with the 2024 season never opening at all. "Vessels have to be paid for and crews need to earn income for their families," the owner stated, highlighting the dual pressures of costly investments in new vessels and the lack of income for crews.
The financial strain is exacerbated by rising license fees, which some say were increased in anticipation of a good season. These fees, along with the high operational costs of transporting vessels from Europe to the fishing grounds, create a heavy burden for companies. The closure not only affects fishing firms but also the livelihoods of their crews, whose earnings are directly tied to the catch. Another industry member pointed out that these financial and human impacts are often overlooked by policymakers.
The situation also presents a challenge for the Falkland Islands Government, whose budget for infrastructure projects relies significantly on revenue from the loligo fishery. With this third disappointing season, the government and the industry are both looking to the upcoming scientific research to provide clearer answers on the squid's behavior and to help inform future management decisions for the fishery.
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