Argentina Strengthens Naval Patrols Against Illegal Fishing Operations

Argentina is deploying naval patrols to counter illegal foreign fishing, specifically targeting numerous vessels from China and other countries that encroach upon its maritime borders. The Navy monitors these vessels, many of which may evade detection. Rising concerns about overfishing in the South Atlantic and recent agreements with Chinese companies exacerbate the situation, prompting Argentina’s Defense Ministry to enforce its maritime rights.

Argentina is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal foreign fishing activities, particularly from Chinese fisheries that have been encroaching upon the nation’s maritime borders. In response, the Argentine Navy has initiated patrols to deter these illegal fishing operations, focusing on nearly 400 vessels associated with China’s distant-water fleet, which are positioned just outside Argentina’s exclusive economic zone.

To bolster these efforts, the Argentine government has deployed two aircraft alongside two corvettes to oversee the activities of the vessels, many of which are suspected of disabling their tracking systems to illegally enter Argentine waters without detection. The lucrative shortfin squid season, valued at $2 billion, attracts foreign fleets from countries such as China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Spain, heightening regional tensions.

Illegal fishing activities have previously resulted in confrontations; notably, in 2016, the Argentine Coast Guard sank a Chinese trawler caught fishing illegally in Argentina’s territorial waters. Furthermore, China has been exploring legitimate avenues to enhance its presence in the region by engaging local fishermen or employing foreign-flagged ships to circumvent regulatory constraints.

A troubling report from the Argentine nonprofit Environmental Policy Circle indicated that ten Chinese vessels were operating under unregistered foreign flags, thereby masking their true origins while exporting their catch back to China. Additionally, a recent agreement between the Argentine province of Santa Cruz and Hongdong Fisheries from China has raised alarm, as it proposes port assistance and infrastructure investments.

The implications for overfishing in the South Atlantic are worrisome, as environmental groups warn that it could lead to the depletion of squid populations and disrupt marine ecosystems, which in turn threatens tourism. The Argentine Defense Ministry has committed to monitoring these developments closely while asserting the country’s maritime rights to protect its national resources.

Argentina has taken significant measures to safeguard its maritime resources by deploying naval patrols to combat illegal fishing from foreign fleets, particularly those linked to China. The nation is vigilant in monitoring its waters, given the potential threats to both the local ecosystem and economy. Continued enforcement of maritime rights remains a priority for protecting Argentina’s natural resources.

Original Source: san.com