Ecobreves – ARGENTINA: Limits for Corvina Catches

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

BUENOS AIRES, Mar 1 2004 (IPS) - Argentina and Uruguay have banned the use of trawl nets to fish for 'corvina rubia' in the Rio de la Plata estuary that the two countries share. The ban lasts from October to March and is intended to protect this species that has begun to suffer the consequences of overexploitation. The corvina is the most common and abundant fish species of the South American Atlantic coast and can adapt itself to salt and freshwater.

The Rio de la Plata Administrative Commission and the Maritime Technical Commission, both part of the Rio de la Plata Treaty signed by Argentina and Uruguay, resolved to limit fishing in the areas were the corvina reproduce.

The ban is aimed at fishing vessels that use deep-water trawl nets, and does not apply to smaller fishing operations or sports fishing.