FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT
PRESS STATEMENT
28 April 2025
Loligo fishing season closed
The Falkland Islands Government Fisheries Department has confirmed that the Loligo fishing season has closed.
The season closed on Sunday 27 April. Following issues with the second season in the last two years, the first season was closely monitored, particularly with regards to size and maturity of squid being caught. On 9 April a decision was taken to close two grid squares to fishing after a sharp drop in the maturity level of catches. Following concerns raised by industry about an influx of small squid caught in three grid squares around Beauchene Island, and consideration of size data by the Fisheries Department, a decision was taken on 25 April to immediately close the three grid squares in question to fishing and to issue a 48-hour notice of closure for the season, which therefore ended on 27 April, the original end date for the season prior to the delayed opening.
These decisions were taken in an effort to allow the best possible chance of a viable second season. The Fisheries Department will now be working with industry to identify areas for further research and cooperation in future Loligo seasons.
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