The Argentine Naval Prefecture has intensified its controls to ensure strict compliance with fishing regulations during periods of temporary refuge fo

Chinese Fishing Fleet Seeks Refuge in Argentine Waters Amidst South Atlantic Storms

ARGENTINA
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Argentina Bolsters Maritime Control in Response to Extreme Weather and Growing Pressure on Fishery Resources.

Buenos Aires — A new wave of Chinese fishing vessels operating on the edge of the Argentine Sea has requested refuge from Argentine authorities due to extreme meteorological conditions in the South Atlantic. In response to a severe weather alert forecasting winds up to 45 knots and waves reaching five meters, the Argentine Naval Prefecture granted temporary and restricted entry to several vessels into its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

This action, based on protocols outlined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), follows similar occurrences in recent years. Under strict oversight, the vessels were allowed in under the express condition that no fishing, research, or exploration activities were to take place in Argentine waters.

Among the mandatory measures imposed by the Coast Guard, vessels were required to keep their fishing gear secured and stowed on deck, their fishing operation lights turned off, and their AIS tracking systems fully active at all times. These measures aim to ensure maritime safety and prevent any unauthorized fishing during the refuge period.

Photo: PNA

Similar procedures were enacted in March and June 2024, when more than 250 vessels, many of them squid trawlers ("poteros"), entered the Argentine EEZ amid extreme storms with waves reaching up to 8.8 meters. On all occasions, Argentina used aerial surveillance, satellite monitoring, and constant radio communication with coastal stations to ensure compliance with restrictions.

Authorities have classified these entries as part of a framework of “innocent passage,” a concept recognized under international maritime law, yet one that demands close scrutiny given the history of illegal fishing near Argentina’s 201-mile boundary.

Photo: PNA

The growing presence of Chinese fleets in the area is raising alarms among industry experts and local fishers. A recent report from the Environmental Policy Circle (Círculo de Políticas Ambientales), using Global Fishing Watch data, noted an 800% increase in Chinese fishing activity near Argentina’s maritime boundary over the past decade.

This trend threatens the sustainability of key species such as hake and squid, and intensifies unfair competition against legally operating Argentine fleets. Argentina’s recent adherence to the international "Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction" treaty marks a step toward improved marine oversight, but significant challenges remain.

Photo: PNA

La situación refuerza el llamado del sector pesquero a una cooperación internacional más sólida, mayores capacidades de fiscalización y políticas de protección efectiva para preservar los recursos del Mar Argentino frente a la presión de flotas industriales extranjeras.

Amidst these recent dynamics in Argentina's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), fundamental questions arise regarding the transparency and control of the international fishing fleet. Here are some of the most relevant issues that demand attention:

• Why do only Chinese vessels seek refuge? It's particularly noteworthy: is there a specific reason why only vessels of this nationality seek refuge in Argentine waters, or are only these cases being made public?
• Are trawlers entry uncontrollable? Beyond controlling lights on jiggers, how can authorities ensure that trawlers don't leave the EEZ with an "Argentine catch" only to haul their nets in international waters, beyond any control?
• Are "innocent passage" controls sufficient? When a foreign fishing vessel enters Argentina's EEZ under the guise of "innocent passage," shouldn't it be boarded immediately to verify that its documentation, crew, insurance, and fishing gear are properly in order? This measure could ensure greater transparency and compliance with existing regulations.
• If we're dealing with an IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing fleet that systematically violates legal, environmental, and maritime safety regulations, why are they allowed entry? This tolerance could effectively make Argentina complicit in their illegal operations?

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