Export volume increases in the first five months

According to statistics from the National Health and Food Quality Service (Senasa) in the first five months of this year 91,690 tonnes of fish were exported, that is to say, 5.8 per cent more than in the same period in 2012 (86,633 tonnes).

The data provided by the entity reveal that in the first five months of 2013 a total of 58,848 tonnes of seafood were exported, representing 26.4 per cent more than in the same period last year, when 46,554 tonnes had been sold overseas.

The highest export records were those of hake (Merluccius hubbsi), with 43,693 tonnes, which represents an 8.9 per cent increase over the 40,114 tonnes exported between January and May 2012.

It was followed by squid (Illex argentinus), with 42,176 tonnes, 26.1 per cent more than what was exported during the first five months of last year (33,444 tonnes), and shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), with 12,869 tonnes, representing 5.2 per cent less than what had been sold abroad during the same period last year (13,569 tonnes).

Among the resources that increased their shipments abroad is hoki (Macruronus magellanicus), whose sales rose 5 per cent, from 5,613 tonnes between January and May of 2012 to 5,895 tonnes in the same period of 2013.

More whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) was also exported, changing from 9,362 tonnes to 10,849 tonnes (15.8 per cent); and Patagonian scallop (Zygochlamys patagonica), ranging from 2,583 to 2,814 tonnes (8.9 per cent).

The species that recorded declines when comparing the first five months of 2013 with the last year were:

• Golden kingklip (Genypterus blacodes): 10.2 per cent (from 1,227 to 1,102 tonnes);

• Trout (Cynoscion striatus): 5.3 per cent (from 4,991 to 4,887 tonnes);

• Anchovy (Engraulis anchovy): 2.1 per cent (from 4,956 to 4,855 tonnes);

• Freshwater stingray (Potamotrygon brachyura): 22.6 per cent (from 2,068 to 1,602 tonnes).

Starting this year, Senasa will not report the values of fish exports.