The Falkland Islands fishing industry faces uncertainty, with the sustainability of the Loligo squid population in question.

The government shocked the global fishing community by suspending fishing in the second quarter of 2024 due to a sharp drop in squid biomass.

Experts warn of an ecological and economic crisis and recommend a total ban on fishing.

The moratorium is intended to protect the stock, but catches are well below safety thresholds, threatening the stock and the industry.

Extreme weather is the main reason. The fisheries Department will study environmental factors and formulate scientifically guided policies.

However, the suspension of fishing has dealt a heavy blow to the economy, and without an automatic compensation mechanism, it is difficult for the industry to seek assistance.

The fishing industry is in trouble, heavily invested but plagued by high costs, inflation and interest rates.

The Loligo fishing fleet has been particularly hard hit. The suspension adds further uncertainty to the future of the Falkland Islands fishing industry.