La zona común de pesca argentino-uruguaya y el problema de la cuota de captura de merluza (Merluccius hubbsi)

Abstract

The Argentine-Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone and the problem of the hake catch quota allocation. The aim of this paper is to present the problem of the catch quota in the shared zone and the proposals related to the maximum catch from 1976 to 1998. The state of the population which inhabits the Common Fishing Zone and north of 41°S is diagnosed, concluding that the total biomass has declined in this period and the spawning stock biomass is under the allowable biological catches. In addition, the catch per unit effort (CPUE)of the commercial fleet has a declining tendency and the total effort is duplicated. Biological population characteristics are presented: reproduction, feeding, nursery grounds and closed areas to protect juveniles. Proportional allocations for the shared zone and for the area between 39° 30´S and 41° S are estimated. The current framework reference to define the maximum catch for the northern hake stock is considered.