Illex's Total Squid Catch Reaches A New High

   The 2025 Argentine squid (illex) in-line production season officially ended on June 10, with a catch of nearly 204,000 tons, setting a 17-year production record and marking a positive recovery in wild resources in the South Atlantic. 

Record breaking fishing volume

• Total Production: 203,956 tonnes (↑33% increase from 2024)
• Northern Patagonian Sea:

   Jigging fleet catch: 84,000 tonnes (highest in 28 years, approaching 1998 peak of 94,000 tonnes)

   Fleet size: Only 78 vessels, demonstrating significant efficiency gains.

Drivers of Growth

• Favorable Ocean Conditions:

   Markedly improved squid egg hatching and juvenile survival rates;

   Food surplus enabled squid to reach commercial size L (mantle length ~30cm).

• Dual Cohorts Observed:

   A second, smaller squid cohort appeared in SBNP (lower density) and has entered reproduction, potentially boosting future stocks.

 

Strengthened Global Market Position

• 2024 Argentine Seafood Exports:

   Volume: 539,289 tonnes (↑10%), Value: $2 billion USD (↑12%);

• Top Squid Importers: China (↑24%), Italy (↑45%), South Korea, Spain, Japan, Vietnam.

Sustainability Challenges & Resource Management

• Northern Zone Biomass: Reached 100,000 tonnes (multi-year high);
• Foreign Fleet Pressure:

   360 vessels operating outside Argentina's EEZ caught around 210,000 tonnes;

   High domestic catches limited foreign fleet operations.

• Expert Warnings:

   Warning against overcapacity shortening fishing seasons;

   Urged balancing short-term profits with long-term sustainability.