Photo: Revista Puerto/FIS

Illex Squid Catch Reaches 80,000 Tons as Season Shows Stability

ARGENTINA
Friday, March 14, 2025, 02:00 (GMT + 9)

According to official figures, the current squid fishing season is following a similar trend to last year. 

Photo: archivo

As of March 11th, declared catches reached 80,173 tons, a 3% increase compared to the 77,744 tons recorded on the same date in 2024, according to a report by Revista Puerto.

The jigger fleet, consisting of more than 70 vessels, has managed to increase its catch by 8%, reaching 67,918 tons compared to 64,285 tons the previous year. However, trawlers have played a minimal role in squid fishing at the start of the season, possibly due to targeting more profitable species such as shrimp or because the resource was located further south than their usual operating areas. Their reported landings dropped by 57%, totaling only 1,157 tons.

Photo: APPM

Meanwhile, the Federal Fisheries Council has not yet received technical reports from INIDEP's Cephalopod Program, although the institution is already collecting data to assess the South Patagonian stock aboard the research vessel Víctor Angelescu. What did the Council reach, however, was a request from the Argentine Chamber of Jigger Vessel Owners (CAPA) to agree to the Monitoring Commission. The meeting has been scheduled for March 26.

Puerto Madryn Leads Landings

Puerto Madryn currently accounts for nearly half of all reported squid landings. The Almirante Storni dock received 39,964 tons, marking a 74% increase in its share of total landings.

It is followed by Puerto Deseado, with 26,677 tons—3% less than in 2024—and Mar del Plata, with 12,682 tons, which experienced a sharp 52% drop. In Mar del Plata, expectations are now focused on the upcoming activation of the northern management unit, corresponding to the Buenos Aires-North Patagonian stock, in hopes of a stronger abundance that could reactivate port activity.

Overall, Mar del Plata has recorded a 26% decline in landings, totaling 49,201 tons. The reduced presence of jiggers and the drop in fishing activity have also impacted container shipping services, significantly reducing the frequency of these vessels.

Photo: APPM

So far in 2025, only the Platón vessel from shipping company CMC-CGM has entered the port, operating in early January to transport refrigerated seafood cargo. The other major shipping company, Maersk, has not yet made a stop this year, partly due to mechanical issues with the Varamo when it attempted to depart from Puerto Deseado.

Fleet Movements and Resource Distribution

In recent days, the fleet took shelter along the southern coast of Chubut due to strong winds in the fishing zone. Most vessels positioned themselves around the 45° S parallel, where catches of double-S size squid suggest the presence of the Buenos Aires-North Patagonian stock.

At the same time, catch rates for the South Patagonian stock declined at the beginning of March, prompting the fleet to migrate north. "At one point, between the 47° and 48° S parallels, vessels were catching SS, S, and M-sized specimens… very unusual," a vessel owner told Revista Puerto.

With new stock assessments underway and the upcoming Monitoring Commission meeting on the horizon, the fishing sector remains focused on the season's progress and the fleet’s movements in search of better yields.

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Print