Argentina exported 27,482 tonnes of fish and shellfish in January 2013, a figure which shows a rise of 11 per cent over the same month in 2012.
According to statistics from the National Health and Agrifood Quality Service (Senasa), last January, 21,925 tonnes of fish were exported, that is to say, 21.8 per cent more than in the same month of 2012 (18,000 tonnes).
According to the data provided by the entity, in January 2013 a total of 5,557 tonnes of seafood was also exported, representing 16.1 per cent less than in the same month last year, when 6,617 tonnes were sold overseas.
The largest export records were those of hake (Merluccius hubbsi), with 10,747 tonnes, a figure that represents a 27.5 per cent increase in the first month of 2012, when 8,428 tonnes were sent abroad.
It was followed by shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), with 4,662 tonnes, that is to say, 39 per cent more than during the same month last year, when 3,352 tonnes were exported.
Among the resources that increased their shipments abroad is the yellow croaker (Micropogonias furnieri), whose sales grew by 56.4 per cent, changing from 1,166 tonnes in January, 2011 to 1,824 tonnes in the same month of 2012. More hoki (Macruronus magellanicus) was also exported, from 871 tonnes to 1,062 tonnes (21.9%); and weakfish (Cynoscion striatus), which changed from 428 tonnes to 828 tonnes (93.4 per cent).
Those species that recorded declines when comparing January 2011 with the same month last year were: Squid (Illex argentinus): 94.1 per cent (from 2,057 to 123 tonnes); Patagonian scallops (Zygochlamys patagonica): 31.8 per cent (from 775 to 529 tonnes); Pollock (Genypterus blacodes): 18.6 per cent (from 409 to 333 tonnes); Patagonian anchovy (Engraulis anchovy): 11.2 per cent (from 3,203 to 2846 tonnes); Stingray (Potamotrygon brachyura): 6.9 per cent (from 307 to 286 tonnes).