Photo: Revista Puerto/FIS

Puerto Madryn Leads Squid (Illex) Landings at the Start of the Season

ARGENTINA
Monday, February 17, 2025, 00:20 (GMT + 9)

On February 4, 2025, the Almirante Storni pier in Puerto Madryn recorded a squid (Illex argentinus) landing volume of 16,322 tons, representing 59.1% of the national total. This data underscores Puerto Madryn's dominant position in receiving catches of this species, significantly surpassing other ports such as Puerto Deseado (29.3%), Mar del Plata (11.2%), and Comodoro Rivadavia (0.03%).

Season Opening and Performance of the Squid Jigger Fleet

The 2025 Illex argentinus season began early on January 2nd, as determined by the Federal Fisheries Council, in the area between parallels 49° and 52° LS. Subsequently, on January 12th, all squid jigger vessels were authorized to operate south of parallel 44° LS, as reported by Nelson Saldivia in Revista Puerto.

The start of the fishing season has been promising, with catches showing a 10% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. However, it is noted that these figures correspond to the beginning of the season and may vary.

According to data provided by the National Undersecretariat of Fisheries, as of February 4, 2025, total Illex squid landings of 27,616 tons have been declared in all ports of the country

Factors Driving Puerto Madryn's Leadership

The squid jigger fleet's preference for Puerto Madryn is attributed to several factors, including:

• Efficient Landings:
  • Investments in port infrastructure, such as conveyor belts, have optimized landing times, reducing operating costs for companies.
  • This increased efficiency allows squid jigger vessels to quickly return to fishing areas, maximizing their productivity.
• Public-Private Collaboration:
  • Close collaboration between the Puerto Madryn Port Administration and sector companies has enabled the identification and addressing of the squid jigger fleet's needs.
• Sustained Growth:
  • Puerto Madryn has experienced consistent growth in squid landing volumes over the past decade, demonstrating its ability to adapt to market demands.

Photo: Revista Puerto

Expansion Prospects and Projects

Given the increase in landing volumes, the Puerto Madryn Port Administration is evaluating the tender for the expansion of Site 4 at the Almirante Storni pier. This initiative aims to strengthen port infrastructure and ensure capacity to meet growing demand.

Puerto Madryn (Chubut). Photo: APPM

Performance of Other Ports

While Puerto Madryn stands out as the main squid landing port, other ports also play an important role in this species' fishing activity.

• Puerto Deseado:
• • This Santa Cruz port ranks second in landing volume, with 8,106 tons of squid, representing 29.3% of the national total.
  • Its strategic location makes it a key point for the squid jigger fleet operating in the South Atlantic.
• Mar del Plata:
  • The port of Mar del Plata, in the province of Buenos Aires, has received 3,102 tons of Illex, equivalent to 11.2% of the national total.
  • Despite its lower volume compared to Puerto Madryn and Puerto Deseado, Mar del Plata remains a relevant port for squid landings.
• Other Ports:
  • Ports such as Caleta Paula (Santa Cruz) and Comodoro Rivadavia (Chubut) record very low landing volumes, with 20 tons (0.07%) and 9.9 tons (0.03%) respectively.
  • This data suggests that squid landing activity is mainly concentrated in the ports of Puerto Madryn, Puerto Deseado, and to a lesser extent, Mar del Plata.

Landing data will be modified as the squid season progresses and the species migrates northward.

Noticias relacionadas:

• Illex Squid Season Resumes Strong Pace After South Atlantic Storm

• Strong Start to the 2025 Illex Squid Season in Argentina: More Than 27,616 Tons Captured

editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media

Print