The south west Atlantic squid fishery is headed for ”disaster without urgent action”, an NGO has warned.
A new investigation from the Environmental Justice Foundation has revealed the area is being overfished and driving key species towards collapse while exposing workers to abuses.
Argentine shortfin squid are vital in the south west Atlantic ecosystem and economy, which sustains wildlife while also generating revenue in Argentina,
The fishery currently has very few regulations in place, which the NGO has warned puts the entire ecosystem at risk.
Research from EFJ revealed that between 2019 and 2024, fishing hours by Chinese squid vessels in the region increased by 85%, even as landings showed signs of decline.
It provided 12.2% of the global squid catch in 2023, and fishing pressure in the unregulated high seas fishery is over four times greater than within the adjacent regulated Argentine waters, the organisation said.
“Without urgent action, we are heading for disaster,” said Steve Trent, CEO and founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation. “Overfishing and climate breakdown are placing enormous pressure on this keystone species, while those responsible – primarily from China – commit shocking human rights abuses with impunity.
“A collapse could happen extremely rapidly, triggering cascading impacts on marine life. Governments must act now to bring regulation, transparency and accountability to this lawless fishery.”
Beyond the ecosystem damage, the investigation chronicled extensive human rights abuses aboard squid vessels.
Interviews with Indonesian and Filipino crew revealed violence, intimidation, excessive working hours and wage deductions, with almost two thirds of Chinese squid vessels linked to deaths or physical assaults on board.
Crew also reported illegal and cruel targeting of wildlife including shark finning.
EJF is calling for collaboration to establish science-based catch limits and monitoring for squid in the region, as well as the strengthening of port controls and a ban on imports linked to illegal or abusive fishing practices.
The NGO has also called for the end of the use of forced labour and to ensure full traceability of seafood supply chains.
“Squid are vital to ocean health and to the people who depend on the sea for food and livelihoods,” Trent added. “Governments must work together to protect them, or risk a catastrophe that will reverberate far beyond these waters.”
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