Authorities say sustainable management and stable catches helped preserve economic activity and social stability in the province.

The Government of Chubut has officially closed the 2025–2026 shrimp fishing season in provincial waters off Rawson, ending a campaign that recorded approximately 90,000 tons of landings and underscored the importance of the fishery to the regional economy, according to reporting by Nelson Saldivia for Revista Puerto.

The closure took effect at 00:00 on Sunday, March 15, 2026, following a decision by the Secretariat of Fisheries of Chubut, headed by Diego Brandan, after technical analysis indicated biological signs of resource depletion typical for this stage of the fishing calendar. The season had begun on November 15, 2025, within the 12-mile provincial jurisdiction, as reported by Saldivia.

Brandan formalized the measure by signing Resolution No. 0080/26, which ordered the end of shrimp fishing targeting Patagonian red shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) in the Restricted Fishing Effort Zone (ZEPR). The regulation also prohibits the dispatch of vessels to fish in that zone starting on the same date.

According to the resolution, the management objectives established for the season were met, ensuring both the sustainability of the fishery and the continuation of the socio-economic activity linked to the sector.

“Today the decision was made to close the shrimp season in Rawson after strict technical analysis carried out by professionals and the team from the Secretariat of Fisheries,” Brandan said while announcing the measure.

He explained that the campaign concluded with approximately 90,000 tons of shrimp caught, noting that adverse weather conditions throughout the season reduced the number of effective fishing days.

Despite those difficulties, Brandan emphasized that Rawson’s fishing grounds remain “unique, healthy and productive,” capable of sustaining an industry that generates employment and development throughout Chubut Province.

The current season’s catch is below the record 110,000 tons landed during the previous season, a level that did not necessarily translate into greater profits as higher supply pushed market prices downward. Industry observers consider the sub-100,000-ton level achieved this year to be a balance point that helps maintain greater predictability for the fishing sector.

The shrimp fishery is one of the main pillars of Chubut’s economy, with the broader fishing industry ranking as the third-largest export sector in the province. While squid exports also contribute significantly to trade figures, shrimp has a particularly strong impact on local coastal economies.

During the provincial season, thousands of jobs depend on the activity—from the fishing fleet and dock workers to logistics operators, transport companies, and seafood processing plants that prepare the shrimp for export markets.

The Rawson fleet finishes its unloading operations, bringing the fishing season to an end. Photo: Revista Puerto

Fishing wages also fuel local commerce in port cities, creating a multiplier effect across other economic sectors.

Authorities and industry stakeholders also highlighted that the last two shrimp seasons have proceeded without major labor conflicts, allowing the sector to operate with stability. Officials say Rawson has become an example of cooperation between companies, workers, and regulators, noting that lost fishing days cannot be recovered and directly affect workers’ incomes.

In the final weeks of the campaign, shrimp sizes and catch yields declined, and a failed exploratory survey south of the 44° parallel reinforced the decision to close the fishery on the same date as the previous year to protect the resource for future seasons.