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Catches of croaker - Uruguay's second most important fish resource -
have dropped dramatically this year, according to the director of the National
Fisheries Institute (INAPE), Sergio Galante. Croaker catches have
fallen by 3,000 tonnes compared with last year, whereas hake, the country's
main fish resource, increased by 2,000 tonnes. Shipowners and fishermen
blame Argentine factory trawlers for fishing croaker less than 32 cm long.
Mr Galante added that the number of vessels fishing for non-traditional
species, such as red crab, top shell, flounder, Patagonic toothfish and
squid, is increasing.
During the first five months of the year, Uruguay's exports fell by 5,000
tonnes compared with the same period last year, but they grew in value by
nearly US$5 million. |