South-East Pacific Humboldt squid, jig gears

The South-East Pacific Humboldt squid stock has been scored a Very Low risk.  The most recent stock assessment established reference points for both biomass and fishing mortality, and the species is currently estimated to be well within MSY for both. Although there are some potential sources of uncertainty, the general consensus is that the species is not overfished or subject to overfishing at the current time.

The management of Humboldt squid in the South-East Pacific has been scored a moderate risk. Although data-driven stock assessment are conducted, these are generally not applied to the whole stock, and where they are there is no direct link between the assessment and stock-wide management. Control and enforcement in Peruvian and Chilean EEZs is considered adequate, but there is little if any MCS for High Seas vessels.

The bycatch risk for this fishery has been assessed as a low risk. Jig gears are considered to produce very low levels of bycatch, and there is no evidence of any significant interactions with ETP species.

The seabed effects of the fishery are scored a very low risk. Jig gears rarely interact with physical habitats, and in general fishers will attempt to avoid interactions with the seabed.