News Alert: Shortage of Squid Resources in Northern Argentina, Fishing Vessels Withdrawing

The 2026 Argentine squid fishing season has seen obvious regional disparities. Catches north of 44°S have fallen short of expectations, with few large squid schools and mostly immature squid of no commercial value. Daily yields per vessel remain low, and many squid fishing boats have diverted to other ports or suspended operations.

As of April 15, the total landed volume of the season has reached 174,300 metric tons. In just three months, the figure is approaching the full-year output of 2025, which hit a 17-year record high. While catches in southern waters have remained strong, the northern fishing grounds have failed to make up for the supply gap, resulting in a huge imbalance between northern and southern resources.

Argentina’s fisheries research institute is set to release its resource survey report. The industry anticipates temporary fishing suspensions, though a full closure of the fishing season is unlikely for the time being. In addition, despite the official opening of the Argentina-Uruguay joint fishing zone, it is insufficient to ease the overall supply shortage.

Global squid supply is expected to tighten in the later period. Aquatic product processors, traders and buyers are advised to closely follow updates on fishery policies and make advance stockpiling plans accordingly.

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