Mar del Plata fishing industry faces shifts in species availability

The fishing and canning industry in Mar del Plata, Argentina, is navigating significant changes in raw material availability. A recent appearance of over 120 crates of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) marks the species' return to the area after a 35-year absence. While environmental conditions have favored this arrival, the National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP) noted that a direct link to climate change requires further long-term study.

This new presence offers potential for the domestic canning industry to reduce reliance on imports by producing more competitive local skipjack tuna products. Alternatively, the sector may focus on bonito to compete with imported goods.

Simultaneously, the industry is struggling with a 90% drop in landings of mackerel (Scomber colias), commercially known as magrú. This shortage has caused supply difficulties for La Campagnola, an Arcor Group company, leading to temporary suspensions affecting approximately 60 workers. While the company manages stocks of tuna made from imported frozen loins, the lack of local mackerel remains a critical challenge for domestic production.