Photo: MercoPress

Falklands (Malvinas): Loligo squid returns; 'sufficient biomass' for fishing season

FALKLAND ISLANDS
Friday, March 13, 2026, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Fisheries surveys in the Falkland Islands indicate there is sufficient Loligo squid biomass to sustain a commercial fishing season.

This was reported in a document submitted this week to the Fisheries Commission by the Islands’ Director of Natural Resources, James Wilson. The report is based on surveys conducted in February, which confirmed good abundance and distribution of key fishery stocks.

A pre-season Loligo squid survey carried out by the M/V Monteferro between February 3 and 18 estimated biomass at around 41,725 tonnes, with a reliable range of 34,726 to 60,190 tonnes. Most of the squid were found south of the so-called “Loligo Box,” where 38,134 tonnes were recorded, compared with 3,591 tonnes in the northern zone.

Falkland Islands Director of Natural Resources James Wilson reported to the Fisheries Commission on the surveys carried out in February. -->

Scientists also reported that the squid measured were larger than those recorded in the first fishing season of 2025, particularly south of 52° South. However, specimens in the northern area appeared less mature, with about half of those sampled classified as being at a very early stage of maturity.

The survey included 64 scientific trawls and 11 commercial trawls, and was the first to incorporate modifications approved by the Loligo Production Group for biomass measurement.

Alongside the squid survey, a demersal survey was conducted by the M/V Argos Vigo between January 31 and February 19, completing 82 trawls at depths ranging from 129 to 377 meters and recording a total biomass catch of 113.2 tonnes.

Rock cod dominated the catches, accounting for 45.3% of the biomass. Other significant species included common hake, southern hake, grenadier, southern blue whiting and New Zealand hake. Among commercially important species, common hake biomass was estimated at 46,434 tonnes, down 12.1% compared with February 2025 but still 48% above the 2023–25 average.

The Loligo squid and the Patagonian toothfish are the preferred target species for Spanish vessel owners and their joint ventures.

Patagonian toothfish biomass was estimated at 7,720 tonnes, the highest level recorded in the February demersal survey since 2023.

The Falklands Fisheries Department also said that assessment of other species from the demersal survey is continuing. Meanwhile, Loligo squid biomass is considered sufficient to support the issuance of “C” fishing licences for the current season, which is now fully underway.

Jigging vessel inspections

Inspections of the 108 squid jigging vessels operating in Falklands waters have been completed, according to the latest report presented by James Wilson, Director of Natural Resources, to the Fisheries Commission.

Squid fishing vessels awaiting inspection in Port Stanley. Photo courtesy of Penguin News

Wilson added that all trawlers targeting Loligo squid have also been inspected, along with most vessels engaged in demersal fisheries.

The Director of Natural Resources also confirmed that inspections required under CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) have been carried out and that most licence briefing procedures have been completed. However, “those captains and officers who rotate or are replaced will be instructed as necessary during the course of the fishing year.”

(Source: Penguin News / MercoPress)

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