For the third season in a row the authorities in the Falkland Islands have taken the decision to close down a loligo squid season.
The current winter season opened on 27th June, and the Falklands Islands Government reports that initial catches dropped rapidly.
‘An initial, or starting, biomass mean estimate of just over 29,735 tonnes was subsequently revised down to 21,695 tonnes. Catches since then have resulted in the mean biomass estimate falling to 14,722 tonnes but with a lower confidence interval value of 6,539 tonnes,’ a Falklands Islands Government representative stated.
‘On the grounds of conservation and long-term sustainability of the stock a closure notice has therefore been issued. This notice is subject to ongoing assessment of catches and the closure date may change, as informed by scientific analysis.’
The fishing sector and the Falklands Fisheries Department are working to establish a time and to secure a vessel for a scientific survey, after which there will be a re-assessment of the loligo biomass. Resulting data will be used as a basis of a decision of whether or not to re-open the current season.
‘This temporary closure follows two years of disappointing second loligo seasons. FIG remains committed to working with industry members to ensure the continued sustainability of the fishery,’ a government spokesperson stated.
