Concerns Rise Over Chinese Fishing Agreement in Argentina

Fuzhou Hongdong Pelagic Fishery Co. signed an agreement with Santa Cruz, Argentina, to modernize ports and support their fishing fleet. Experts warn this poses threats to local fishing industries, human rights, and marine ecosystems, exacerbating illegal fishing issues. Argentine authorities are increasing surveillance to protect local resources.

A significant agreement has been made between the Chinese company Fuzhou Hongdong Pelagic Fishery Co. and Argentina’s Santa Cruz province. This agreement includes modernizing five ports and establishing a fish processing plant along with logistical support for the Chinese fishing fleet. The fleet often operates just outside Argentina’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), impacting local fishing dynamics significantly.

Milko Schvartzman from the Circle of Environmental Policies expressed concerns about the potential impact of this partnership on local economies. He noted that, historically, countries with established Chinese fishing operations have not benefited economically.

Hongdong Fisheries, linked to the Chinese government, operates a large fleet of over 160 vessels and has been involved in illegal fishing practices. Experts, including César Augusto Lerena, warn that allowing access to Argentine ports may exacerbate issues such as illegal fishing and human rights violations.

The negotiations, which began in October, culminated in a letter of intent signed by Santa Cruz Governor Claudio Vidal in China. The Argentine House of Representatives expressed serious concerns over this agreement, considering the company’s past behavior in global fisheries.

Eduardo Boiero, from the Argentine Chamber of Shipowners and Fishers, raised alarms regarding the implications of this agreement, highlighting the need for clarity on its true scope. The Circle of Environmental Policies further emphasized the challenges local fishermen face against subsidized Chinese competitors.

The agreement risks positioning Argentina as a hub for illegal fishing practices and potential human rights abuses associated with Chinese vessels. These ships have been known to evade monitoring systems, raising alarms about safety and sustainability in the region.

As the fishing season intensifies, Argentine authorities have noted a surge in Chinese vessels operating near the EEZ, prompting the Maritime Joint Command to amplify control and surveillance in these waters, ensuring protection of local fisheries.

In summary, the recent agreement between Fuzhou Hongdong Pelagic Fishery Co. and Santa Cruz province may have profound implications for Argentina’s fishing industry and local economies. The historically negative impacts of Chinese fishing operations on local resources and labor standards raise significant concerns. Moreover, the involvement of various Chinese fishing companies operating near the Argentine EEZ further complicates the situation, urging local authorities to take precautionary measures.

Original Source: dialogo-americas.com