Catches of Illex, from Falklands waters hit record levels this year, catching a total of 268,223 metric tons, exceeding the 1999 record of 266,201 metric tons.
Dr John Barton, Director of Natural Resources, told Penguin News that it proved the resilience of Illex. He added that there were pressures on the stock throughout the South Atlantic and the biomass fluctuates year on year. Catches slow dramatically as licenses for about 70% of the fleet expire on May 15, he continued.
From 1990 to 2005, the South Atlantic Fisheries Commission regulated straddling fish stocks However, Argentina pulled out of the agreement in 2005. Nonetheless, the Falklands continue to observe best practice when it comes to the management of the fishery.
Falkland Islands News Network