In recent years, illegal fishing in the South Atlantic has become an alarming issue. China’s fishing fleet, the largest in the world, has intensified its presence in waters near Argentina’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), extracting resources uncontrollably and threatening the sustainability of regional marine ecosystems. Despite efforts by the Argentine government to regulate and protect its fishing resources, geopolitical realities and the lack of a stricter international regulatory framework have turned this issue into a persistent challenge.
China’s role in illegal fishing in the South Atlantic
China has adopted an aggressive strategy of global fishing expansion, including state subsidies for its distant-water fleet and the use of “flags of convenience” to operate in strategic regions undetected. According to a recent report by Expediente Público, in the past decade, the hours of fishing by the Chinese fleet in the South Atlantic have surged by 800%, from 59,204 hours in 2013 to nearly 470,000 in 2022. This activity has turned the region into a hotspot for overfishing and unfair competition with Argentina’s fishing industry.
The Chinese state directly finances its fleet’s expansion with subsidies totaling approximately $2.4 billion annually. Thanks to this financial support, Chinese vessels can operate on the high seas for months without returning to port. This strategy, combined with the use of offshore resupply and refrigeration ships, allows vessels to remain in the fishing zone indefinitely, evading controls and regulations, according to Sergio Almada, coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Team for Maritime Space and Resource Control (EICEMAR).
Additionally, many of these vessels sail under the flags of third countries, such as Panama, to avoid being identified as part of the Chinese fleet. Investigations by InSight Crime have revealed that at least 250 Chinese ships employ this tactic, further complicating Argentina’s ability to regulate and sanction these activities.
Environmental and economic impact
The environmental damage caused by Chinese fishing in the South Atlantic is immense. The overexploitation of the Illex argentinus squid, one of the most important species for Argentina’s fishing industry, has jeopardized its sustainability. This cephalopod is not only a key economic resource but also a fundamental part of the food chain for other marine species, such as dolphins, penguins, and various seabirds. Unregulated predation could trigger an ecological collapse with irreversible consequences.
From an economic standpoint, illegal fishing results in billion-dollar losses for Argentina each year. It is estimated that irregular catches in waters near Argentina’s EEZ cause losses ranging from $2 billion to $20 billion annually. While Argentina’s fishing fleet operates under strict regulations, Chinese vessels extract resources without paying taxes or generating local employment, weakening the competitiveness of the national fishing industry.
Moreover, the massive presence of these ships in the region has led to increased surveillance and patrolling costs. The Argentine Naval Prefecture and Navy have had to intensify operations to monitor foreign fleet activity, consuming significant state resources. Despite these efforts, detecting and sanctioning violators remains a complex challenge due to the absence of strong international agreements addressing illegal high-seas fishing.
Argentina’s response and its limitations
The Argentine government has attempted to counter illegal fishing with various measures, including satellite technology and aerial patrols to detect incursions into its EEZ. Additionally, it has proposed banning offshore resupply, a tactic used by Chinese fleets to avoid entering ports where they could be inspected. However, these actions have proven insufficient to curb the scale of the problem.
International law prevents Argentina from taking coercive actions beyond its EEZ. Beyond 200 nautical miles, foreign vessels can operate without restrictions as long as they do not enter sovereign territory. This legal loophole allows the Chinese fleet to exploit marine resources unchecked.
Despite diplomatic efforts to reach bilateral agreements with China, the reality is that illegal fishing remains a difficult issue to resolve. Argentina’s economic dependence on China, its second-largest trading partner, limits Buenos Aires’ ability to take more drastic measures without affecting other aspects of the bilateral relationship.
The South Atlantic as a geopolitical focal point
China’s interest in the South Atlantic is not solely about fishing; it is also strategic. Proximity to the Strait of Magellan and Antarctica makes this region a key point for China’s geopolitical expansion. Reports have suggested that some Chinese vessels may be involved in intelligence or military logistics activities, raising international concerns about China’s presence in the area.
The United States and other global powers have begun to closely monitor China’s role in the South Atlantic, which could lead to increased diplomatic pressure to regulate fishing activities and prevent the region from becoming a geopolitical flashpoint.
Proposals for an effective solution
To address the issue of Chinese illegal fishing in the South Atlantic, Argentina needs a comprehensive strategy that combines surveillance, international cooperation, and diplomatic pressure, according to experts consulted by Expediente Público. Measures that could be implemented include increasing naval patrols, improving satellite monitoring technology to detect and deter illegal incursions, and establishing a stricter fine regime for vessels violating fishing regulations.
Likewise, forming alliances with other countries affected by illegal fishing is essential to strengthening regulatory frameworks in international waters and making it more difficult for foreign fleets to operate unlawfully. Urgent diplomatic negotiations with China should be initiated to demand greater responsibility in the exploitation of fishing resources in the South Atlantic.
*Machine translation proofread by Ricardo Aceves.
Autor
Licenciado en filosofía y maestrante en Ciencias Sociales por la Universidad Veracruzana (México). Investigador en Gobierno y Análisis Político A.C.
