Falkland Loligo Squid Fishing Season Suspended

   The Falkland Islands Government's Fisheries Department issued a 48-hour closure notice for the winter squid fishing season on August 6 due to declining stocks and a shortage of Loligo squid during the second season.

Squid fishing season closed due to declining stocks

   The second Loligo squid season opened on July 27th, but within two weeks, it was already facing a severe shortage of squid, leaving the Galician fleet with virtually no catches. Sixteen trawlers from the Spanish ports of Vigo and Marín, hoping to continue last year's success, reported widespread reports of a "complete lack of squid," with one captain describing the situation as "terrible."

   Its initial catch is also rapidly decreasing. The initial estimated average biomass was slightly higher than 29735 tons, but later lowered to 21695 tons. Due to fishing, the estimated average biomass further decreased to 14722 tons. To protect fish resources and achieve long-term sustainable development, the Fisheries Department of the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) has issued a 48 hour fishing ban notice, and the ban date may be adjusted based on scientific analysis results.

Conduct scientific investigations to ensure the sustainable development of fisheries

   The industry is working with the fisheries department to determine the time frame and vessels for subsequent scientific investigations to reassess biomass estimates, and the results of the survey will determine whether to reopen or continue to close this season. The decline in Loligo squid production has become a key indicator for measuring the ecological stability of the fishing industry in this area. Factors such as environmental changes, seismic exploration activities, and natural changes in squid populations may all affect the catch.

   The temporary closure is a decision made after two years of unsatisfactory Loligo squid fishing season. FIG will continue to work with industry insiders to ensure the sustainable development of the fishing industry.