Panama City – The South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation concluded its 14th commission meeting with preliminary measures to regulate the jumbo flying squid fishery that dominates high-seas harvesting in the region.
Vessels Explode as Stocks Show Strain
Vessels Explode as Stocks Show Strain (Image Credits: Imgs.mongabay.com)
The jumbo flying squid fishery transformed rapidly over two decades, with squid-jigging vessels in SPRFMO waters climbing from 14 in 2000 to 531 in 2024. Nearly all recent entrants – 528 last year – hailed from China, fueling catches that topped 1 million metric tons in 2014 before dropping to 601,000 metric tons in 2024.
Scientists failed to agree on stock assessments for the fifth consecutive year, leaving the fishery without catch limits. Coastal groups like CALAMASUR warned that such delays threatened artisanal livelihoods in Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru. Reports highlighted illegal practices, labor abuses, shark finning, and marine mammal deaths aboard some vessels.
The unchecked expansion raised global alarms, as this fishery accounts for a significant share of the world’s squid harvest in international waters spanning 59 million square kilometers.
Core Measures Gain Traction
Delegates approved a U.S.-New Zealand proposal to cap the maximum number of squid-targeting vessels at 651, down from 766, while also limiting total tonnage. Observers noted the current fleet already sits below this threshold, tempering expectations for immediate relief.
The commission introduced electronic monitoring standards, prioritizing squid vessels to boost transparency and curb violations. Coverage begins at 5% of fishing days from September 2027, increasing to 10% by 2029 through onboard cameras, computers, and human observers. An EU-backed initiative aligned port inspections with the Port State Measures Agreement, enhancing entry checks and data sharing to deter illegal activities.
| Year | Vessels in SPRFMO Waters |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 14 |
| 2014 | 289 |
| 2024 | 531 |
Gaps Persist in Broader Reforms
Several ambitious proposals fell short. Peru’s call for a buffer zone near South American exclusive economic zones met resistance. Direct rules to improve labor conditions on squid vessels did not pass, despite evidence of withheld wages and violence.
Progress on jack mackerel stalled, delaying a science-driven harvest strategy aimed at keeping stocks healthy. Bottom trawling talks deadlocked, with New Zealand defending operations in the Tasman Sea against calls to protect ancient deep-sea corals and sponges on seamounts. Global Fishing Watch urged vessel ownership disclosures, but members deferred action.
“It’s a part of the world’s largest squid fishery, so it was very positive that attention was being paid to it,” said Dave Gershman of The Pew Charitable Trusts, who observed the talks. “But this is only the start of what’s needed to put in place science-based management.”
Toward Sustainable High-Seas Harvests
The decisions mark SPRFMO’s first structural limits on squid fishing, addressing a fleet that grew unchecked amid declining yields. Members pledged to revisit squid management in 2027 with stronger, data-backed plans. These steps could safeguard a key protein source while protecting ocean ecosystems from abuse.
Still, critics labeled the changes modest, pressing for catch caps and faster science to avert collapse. The 17 members, including 16 nations and the European Union, manage nearly a quarter of global high seas – a test case for multilateral fisheries governance.
Key Takeaways
- Vessel cap reduced to 651 from 766, with tonnage limits.
- Electronic monitoring and port controls set to launch soon.
- Science-based catch limits and labor protections remain pending.
These modest advances offer a foundation, but sustained pressure will determine if the squid fishery endures. What do you think about these reforms? Tell us in the comments.
