Argentina shrimp fishing regulatory restrictions

Argentine fishing authorities have implemented restrictions on shrimp fishing to protect hake populations. Initially, officials evaluated whether to prospect Subarea 10 or terminate activities within the Permanent Hake Juvenile Ban Zone (ZVPJM) as hake levels in Subareas 7 and 8 approached critical limits. During this period, much of the fishing fleet began shifting operations to external sectors to maintain commercial viability.

By late August, the National Directorate of Fisheries Coordination and Supervision officially closed Subareas 7 and 15 to commercial shrimp fishing. This decision was driven by technical reports from the National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (INIDEP) showing that the ratio of incidental hake catch to shrimp exceeded the 20 percent regulatory limit, alongside a high proportion of juvenile hake.

The closures have disrupted the supply chain, causing several fish processing plants, particularly in Chubut, to end their 2026 season early due to a lack of raw materials. Workers reported that the 2026 season lasted less than three months, significantly shorter than previous years when seasons could last up to five months.