Argentina Increases Naval Patrols to Combat Illegal Foreign Fishing Activities
Argentina is undertaking naval patrols to deter foreign fishing fleets, particularly from China, as nearly 400 vessels threaten its maritime borders. The focus is on preventing illegal fishing activities, especially during squid season, worth $2 billion. Recent agreements with Chinese companies raise additional concerns about overfishing and environmental consequences, prompting Argentina to enforce its maritime rights rigorously.
Argentina is intensifying its defense against foreign fishing activities, especially from Chinese fleets encroaching its maritime borders. The Argentine Navy has initiated patrols to counter this, focusing on nearly 400 suspected illegal fishing vessels operating just outside its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). These measures come as tensions increase over valuable squid fisheries, which represent a significant $2 billion industry.
To enforce maritime security, Argentina has deployed two aircraft and two corvettes to monitor the foreign fishing fleets. Many of these vessels are believed to disable their tracking systems to illegally fish in Argentine waters undetected. The squid season attracts fleets from multiple countries, including Taiwan and South Korea, further complicating the situation.
Past illegal fishing incidents have led to violent confrontations, such as the 2016 incident where Argentina’s Coast Guard sank a Chinese vessel caught fishing illegally. China has also been exploring legal avenues to increase its maritime presence, sometimes by collaborating with local fishermen or using ships under foreign flags to avoid regulations. A report highlighted that ten Chinese vessels were operating without proper registration, obscuring their true origins.
Additionally, a recent agreement between the Argentine province of Santa Cruz and Hongdong Fisheries from China has raised alarms. Although the agreement does not allow direct operation within Argentine waters, it suggests partnerships for port assistance and substantial investments in local fishing infrastructure, including shipyards.
Environmental organizations are sounding alarms over potential overfishing in the South Atlantic, warning that it could devastate squid populations and disrupt marine ecosystems, which may also affect local tourism. Argentina’s Defense Ministry has committed to ongoing monitoring efforts to protect its maritime resources and enforce its territorial rights.
Argentina is actively countering foreign fishing incursions, primarily from Chinese vessels, by deploying naval patrols to safeguard its economic interests and territorial waters. The situation is exacerbated by illegal fishing practices and agreements that raise concerns about environmental impacts and resource depletion. Continued monitoring and enforcement of maritime rights are critical to protecting vulnerable marine populations and maintaining ecological balance.
Original Source: san.com
