The Undersecretariat of Fisheries of the Nation reported that between 1 January and 28 June, 2013 a total of 19,021.8 tonnes of shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) was landed in Argentinean ports.
This volume is similar to that recorded in the first six months of 2012, when 20,006.7 tonnes of the crustacean were landed.
According to the latest reports, a total of 8,651 tonnes of shrimp was landed in June while in May only 1,998.6 tonnes were landed. The last month’s upturn coincides with the opening of the fishery in national waters.
The undersecretariat explained that out of the total unloaded until 28 June, beam trawling vessels contributed 11,234.7 tonnes; the coastal vessels provided 6,594.6 tonnes; vessels that fish in bays/estuaries supported 615 tonnes; and fresh fish vessels contributed 577.4 tonnes.
Meanwhile, the Argentinean Fisheries Business Council (CEPA) and the Chamber of Argentinean Fisheries Industry (Caipa) confirmed that "the season in national waters is being developed with good results in number and size, with a migration of the resource towards the East, and in some cases towards the North," Pescare reported.
The chambers had asked the Federal Fisheries Council (CFP) to expand the area of operations and this agency finally ordered to extend it to 62° west longitude, between parallels 45° and 47° South latitude.
In addition, from the National Institute of Fisheries Research and Development(Inidep) it was confirmed that there is "a shifting of the concentrations being exploited that occurs in a north-northeast direction, as it happens every year in the winter season."
With respect to the sale price, in April USD 5,527 a tonne was paid, a level that represents a decline of 1.9 per cent year-on-year.
Fernando Alvarez, Conarpesa company chairman, which operates in Chubut and Santa Cruz, showed satisfaction about the shrimp catches obtained so far this season.
"At present it has started better than last year, but it is too soon to say. When they start to unload more boats, we will see, but the catches are good as well as the sizes, but there is always the uncertainty as to how the markets will evolve," he pointed out.
And he added: "There are many companies that have not taken out their boats and, whether you like it or not, it affects the price and the stock volumes, since the absence of many fishing vessels has a positive impact," the entrepreneur pointed out, according to Tiempo Sur.