Representatives from Calamasur and Conxemar, representing the jumbo squid (also known as pota) capture and commercialization sector from South American countries and Spain respectively, reaffirmed their commitment to the sustainable fishing of this marine resource and highlighted the progress made.
This species supports thousands of fishing families and coastal communities in the Pacific and is consumed by millions of European families.
Both organizations recently met in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, within the framework of the 14th meeting of the Scientific Committee of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO), where they agreed to advance towards more sustainable and collaborative management of jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas).
"The performance of the scientific teams from Ecuador and Peru at this meeting deserves special recognition. They showed great technical deployment and a genuine commitment to sustainability, and they remind us that the region has the necessary talent to lead responsible management of this resource," said Alfonso Miranda, president of Calamasur.
Scientifically, he stated that the meeting allowed for further strengthening of knowledge about the status of jumbo squid.
Miranda noted that there is still a long way to go to consolidate robust assessment tools. Calamasur and Conxemar value the effort made and are confident that the coming months will allow for steady progress.
Looking ahead to the SPRFMO Commission Meeting, scheduled for February-March 2027 in Brussels, the Scientific Committee identified different management options that member countries must now evaluate.
Calamasur and Conxemar are confident that this dialogue space will allow for the construction of balanced agreements that protect the long-term health of the resource and, at the same time, recognize the social and economic importance of this fishery for the communities that depend on it.
With this in mind, both organizations reaffirm their willingness to continue supporting the process, fostering dialogue among science, industry, and states, and promoting cooperation spaces that strengthen trust among all involved actors.
They also highlight that in 2027, the European Union will host the annual meeting of the SPRFMO Commission, and this represents a valuable opportunity to expand and enrich the bloc's participation in jumbo squid management.
"We recognize the significant capabilities of the European Union and value the professionalism of its representatives on the Scientific Committee. We are optimistic about the possibility of this commitment continuing to grow, in line with the relevance of jumbo squid for the European market," said Luis García, Sustainability Director of Conxemar.
For Calamasur and Conxemar, what happened in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, confirms that dialogue and cooperation are the surest path to a sustainable fishery.
Finally, both organizations reiterate their commitment to continue working with the coastal countries of the South Pacific, the industry, and the scientific community, convinced that responsible management of jumbo squid benefits not only the resource but also the thousands of families and communities who find in it a source of life, employment, and development.
