Argentina Is Experiencing A Squid Explosion! In Just Five Weeks Of The Season, The Catch Reached 64,000 Tons, A 63% Surge Compared To The Same Period Last Year.

The 2026 Argentine squid (Illex argentinus) fishing season has started exceptionally well. According to the latest technical report submitted by the Argentine National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP), as of February 10th, the total declared catch nationwide reached 64,762 tons, a significant increase of 63% year-on-year, marking a rare high start in recent years.

The season started early on January 2nd. By the fifth week, February 5th, 80 Argentine squid fishing vessels had accumulated 1,554 fishing days, catching 55,015 tons, with an average daily catch of 35 tons per vessel. During the second to fifth weeks, the average daily catch remained high, between 37 and 47 tons, indicating ideal resource density and operational efficiency.

Summer spawning populations surge, with northern fishing grounds at the heart of the outbreak

INIDEP researchers point out that this season's high yield is closely related to the high-density concentration of summer spawning populations (Desovante de Verano) in the waters north of the management unit and south of 44°S latitude. Biological sampling data shows that squid caught north of 49°S are predominantly small, sexually mature individuals, confirming they belong to the summer spawning population.

Spatially, 99% of fishing operations were concentrated in the outer continental shelf waters between 44° and 48° south latitude and 60° and 62° west longitude. The 4563 fishing area contributed the most, accounting for 51% of the total output, reaching 27,998 tons, with an average daily output of 40.1 tons; blocks 4562 and 4663 accounted for 21.1% and 20.8% respectively.

As of February 10, the cumulative unloading volume at ports nationwide reached 75,549 tons, of which squid fishing vessels contributed 64,762 tons and trawlers contributed 10,791 tons.

High-density operation of foreign vessels beyond 200 nautical miles

In addition to domestic vessels, a large number of foreign squid fishing vessels have also been observed operating in waters outside Argentina's Exclusive Economic Zone (ZEE). Data shows that during weeks 1 to 4, up to 230 foreign squid fishing vessels were concentrated in the waters near the ZEE, mainly distributed in the 4560 rectangular area. The Argentine Maritime Traffic Management Authority reported that more than 420 foreign fishing vessels have been monitored beyond 200 nautical miles this year.

This scale demonstrates the high attractiveness of South Atlantic squid resources and also indicates continued fishing pressure in the surrounding waters.

Trawler refrigerated vessels restricted from northward operations

It is worth noting that the Argentine Federal Fisheries Committee recently rejected an application from the Association of Enterprises (CEPA) allowing refrigerated trawlers to target squid north of 41°S latitude, and increasing the proportion of hake (Merluza hubbsi) mixed in the catch from 10% to 20%.

INIDEP explicitly stated that while this move would not significantly impact the sustainability of squid resources, the current northern hake population is in a state of "supplementary overfishing," with reproductive biomass at a critical level. Increasing the proportion of mixed catches could further exacerbate the risk of resource decline. Therefore, the committee unanimously rejected the proposal.

A High Start to the Season May Put Pressure on the International Market

With Argentine squid supply exceeding 60,000 tons within just five weeks of the season's start, a significant increase in supply is a certainty. If resource density and operational efficiency remain at current levels, 2026 could become one of the strongest production years in recent years.

For the international market, the concentrated increase in South Atlantic squid supply will directly impact the global squid price structure. Especially given the intensified competition in major deep-sea squid producing areas and the high-intensity operations of foreign fleets, the subsequent resource trends and price dynamics warrant continued attention.