Low squid haul worries Argentina
By Staff Writers
Buenos Aires (UPI) Jan 10, 2011 Buenos Aires (UPI) Jan 10, 2011 – Argentine fisheries’ production of squid this year is at risk after crews found the stock already low outside the country’s exclusive economic zone. Low yields of the Illex argentinus variety of squid could spell trouble for this branch of the fishing industry, officials said. … Fishing vessels near the eastern limit of the EEZ caught just 2 tons a day of squid — and that catch was dominated by small squids. … De los Santos said low yield outside Argentine EEZ could lead to the Chinese in particular being allowed to operate within EEZ. Argentina recently signed agreements with China, a major trade partner for this Latin American country, giving the Chinese fleets greater rights to operate within the zone. However, whether the Chinese vessels operate in Argentina or sail further afield in search of higher yields, including those for Peru’s giant squid, the Argentine squid industry could face a bleak future in view of the uncertainty over yields during the coming season, which begins February. The industry is already in trouble over sharp drop in yield over the past two years, FIS said in a report on its Web site. Argentine production in 2010 — a total of 84,409 tons – was higher than the 2009 figure of 71,414 tons. Both volumes contrasted with 255,000 tons harvested in the 2008 season. Traders received some compensation in the rising price of squid. FIS reports showed that compared with previous years, catches of squid suffered serious fluctuations, leading to sharp price changes. …
