Argentina illegal fishing enforcement

Argentina has intensified its enforcement against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Utilizing Disposition 20/2026, the government uses satellite technology and electronic tracking data to identify fishing activity based on movement patterns and speed, allowing for sanctions without physical interception.

In August 2026, the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries fined the Vanuatu-flagged vessel Hai Xiang 2 approximately USD 1.2 million. This was one of several high-profile sanctions in 2026, which also included the Chinese vessels Bao Feng and Bao Win, and the Portuguese trawler Coimbra.

By late August 2026, the Argentine government reported collecting over $5.38 billion in total sanctions for the year. While these measures reflect a “zero tolerance and intelligent inspection” policy to protect marine resources, reports suggest that some foreign fleets may be able to absorb the costs of these fines and continue their operations, leading to calls for even more stringent penalties.