Argentina’s squid fishery has been nothing short of a disappointment.
While historical average landings for shortfin squid (Illex argentinus) in Argentina tended to be around 200,000 metric tons (MT), they have since plummeted, with disappointing catches for the last three years (27,503 MT in 2009, 85,988 MT in 2010 and 74,277 MT in 2011). However, Argentina’s relative share of the total would appear to have increased, as according to FAO statistics global landings of the species fell from 955,044 MT in 2007 to 189,967 MT in 2010. Last year’s season ended early because of the small size of specimens caught and the need to ensure reproduction.
The fishery, which includes the areas around the Falkland Islands, is active from December or January through August or September every year.
While initial indications hinted at the possibility that squid fishermen’s luck might change in 2012, subsequent data has confirmed yet another disappointing year, with just over 37,000 MT landed in Argentina as of the end of March, a very similar amount to the previous year’s catch at that same time. Fleets have since moved further south but have not reported significant changes in fishing activity.
It is possible that political differences with the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas in Argentina) have made managing the species more difficult. This year, the 30th anniversary of the war over the archipelago, Argentina convinced its South American neighbors not to allow ships flying the Falklands flag into port, which was seen as an attempt to hit the islanders’ share of the squid market. In addition, there have been news reports the Argentine government moved the season in national waters ahead to catch the product before it reached the islands, potentially affecting reproductive cycles.
China and Spain are reported to be the main customers for Argentine squid and as of January this year, average prices were around USD 2,200 per MT, virtually unchanged over the year before. However, at press time there were rising tensions between Argentine merchant marine unions and ship owners, with the former threatening to go on strike. The evolution of this situation could impact the market.
