It is an urgent call to take care of the giant squid (Dosidicus gigas), a species that lives in the Pacific Ocean

Urgent Scientific Call to Protect the Jumbo Flying Squid of the South Pacific

Researchers Publish in Science Magazine to Demand International Collaboration and Prevent a Fisheries Collapse

A group of researchers from multiple nationalities has published a letter in the prestigious journal Science, issuing an urgent call for international cooperation to protect the jumbo flying squid (Dosidicus gigas), known as jibia in Chile. With a catch of nearly 1 million tonnes annually, this species is the most exploited invertebrate in the southeastern Pacific, with fishing activity in the territorial waters of Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, as well as on the high seas, where mainly Chinese vessels operate.

Area where giant squid grows in the Pacific Ocean -->

Despite its enormous economic and food importance, the jumbo flying squid population has never been comprehensively assessed across its entire distribution. The lack of key population data, coupled with a substantial drop in yield in recent years, suggests that the stock could be in decline. The risk is that this fishery will follow the fate of others, such as the collapse of the same species in the Gulf of California or the unpredictable fluctuations of the Argentine shortfin squid (Illex argentinus).

Geopolitical Barriers and Management Challenges

The main obstacle to the sustainability of this fishery is the lack of cooperation between nations. The South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO), which regulates fishing on the high seas, has taken measures such as limiting the number of vessels. However, the absence of a regional database and the lack of an exchange of biological samples among the commission's member countries (including Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and China) prevent the completion of regional stock assessments.

On the left of the image, over the Pacific Ocean, you can see the location of the Chinese jigger fleet that targets giant squid between May and December. Source: Dialogo Chino

A 2024 performance review by the SPRFMO highlighted existing gaps in jumbo flying squid regional stock assessment and the need for data sharing among the nations participating in the fishery. The researchers note that closing these gaps could prevent a collapse, especially considering that large-scale phenomena such as El Niño affect the species' distribution and abundance. Therefore, it is crucial to use ecosystem-based models to assess its population.

The jumbo flying squid stock sustains the livelihoods of thousands and provides food security to millions globally. The SPRFMO has already demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully restoring the jack mackerel stock in 2013. To achieve similar progress with the jumbo flying squid, the researchers conclude that strengthened international scientific collaboration is imperative. The time to act is now, before a recovery plan is needed.

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