Argentina launches South Atlantic operation targetting illegal fishing

Argentina's Joint Maritime Command has deployed the ARA Piedrabuena Oceanic Patrol Vessel (OPV) to combat illegal fishing through Operation Grifon XVI in the country's territorial Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Atlantic amid an increase in clandestine operations by jiggers, most of them of Chinese origin. “These tasks are carried out under the operational control of the Joint Maritime Command within the framework of Operation Griffon XVI,” read a statement from the Operational Command. The measure is a response to the arrival of over 400 foreign fishing boats, mostly Chinese, South Korean, and Taiwanese. Some of these units were built between 2021 and 2022 and have a capacity of up to 1,500 tons of catch. They are said to target especially the Argentine illex squid. In addition to endangering the species, the foreign fleet has low operating costs allegedly due to Chinese government subsidies and poor wages, which poses a threat to local fishermen. The Southeastern Asia ...