From 1.1 million tons to 600,000 tons! How to break the crisis of giant squid?

The global giant squid fishery is facing severe challenges. The catch in 2024 plummeted from 1.1 million tons in 2023 to 600,000 tons, a drop of nearly 50%. Although there was a recovery in 2025, the resource crisis cannot be ignored.

To this end, scientists from many countries gathered in Shanghai to discuss giant squid protection, focusing on industrial dilemmas and management challenges, and exploring ways to solve the resource predicament through scientific evaluation and international cooperation.

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Industry Status: Annual output value of giant squid exceeding 3 billion, sharp drop in catch causes concern

Miranda, Chairman of the Sustainable Management Committee for Giant Squid (dosidicus gigas), pointed out that as the world's most important cephalopod fishery, the main catching countries of giant squid are China, Chile and Peru, creating an annual output value of more than 3 billion US dollars and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

However, there are obvious shortcomings in the management of this resource - the catch in 2024 plummeted from 1.1 million tons in 2023 to 600,000 tons, a drop of nearly 50%. Although it rebounded in 2025, the resource crisis still needs to be vigilant.

Management Challenges: Double Dilemma of IUU Fishing and Data Missing
Miranda emphasized that the lack of a comprehensive management system and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing are the main cruxes. Such problems not only threaten the economic vitality of the industry, but also endanger the livelihoods of families dependent on fisheries.

He specifically pointed out that China has issued a warning about the reduction of squid resources, but the industry still needs to shift from "verbal attention" to practical actions.

Shanghai Symposium: Experts from Many Countries Discuss Sustainable Solutions

The "International Symposium on Squid Conservation and Management" hosted by Shanghai Ocean University gathered scientists and industry representatives from China, Argentina, Chile, Peru and other countries.

Sun Haiwen, Deputy Director of the Fisheries Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, stated that China is committed to establishing a new cooperation model with Latin American countries, has zero tolerance for IUU fishing, and has introduced measures such as "voluntary fishing moratorium on the high seas".

Scientific Breakthrough: Population Models Facilitate Resource Assessment
Experts from the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO) pointed out that giant squids form a single large population in the South Pacific, and their short lifespan and post-reproductive death characteristics make them highly sensitive to environmental changes.

Scientists at the conference demonstrated the latest progress in population assessment models, emphasizing that countries need to share data and speed up decision-making to cope with the challenge of the surge in fishing activities in recent years.

This year, giant squid output increased by more than 60% year-on-year, with exports reaching 36,369 metric tons, earning more than 61 million US dollars in foreign exchange.

However, a fishing ban has been implemented since June 30, which is expected to last 2-3 months, causing 15,000 fishermen to switch to catching other species, and Chinese fishing boats will not operate within the 200-nautical-mile range this year.

Giant squid surge of 60% hits a "sudden brake", when will the fishing ban be lifted?

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giant squid Output Rebound: Resource Volume Increased by Over 60% Year-on-Year
Segundo Alzamora, Peru's Regional Production Director, said that this year, thanks to the improvement of marine climate conditions, the output of squid resources has increased significantly, up by more than 60% compared with the same period in 2024. This rebound has injected vitality into the local fishing industry.

As of mid-May (the 20th week), Peru's total giant squid exports reached 36,369 metric tons, with an export value of more than 61 million US dollars. Monthly breakdown shows that giant squid exports fluctuated the most in April at 15,438 tons, followed by 12,131 tons in May, 4,146 tons in March, and 1,356 tons in early January, mainly sold to Japan and EU countries.

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Impact of the Fishing Ban: 15,000 Fishermen Switch to Other Species
Peru has implemented a squid fishing ban since June 30, which is expected to last 2-3 months. About 15,000 artisanal fishermen will switch to catching species such as mackerel and bonito. The fishing ban period aims to promote the recovery of squid resources and facilitate fishermen to carry out ship maintenance.

Alzamora mentioned that the activities of foreign ships (mainly Chinese fishing boats) in the waters over the past year had a negative impact on local squid production, such as giant squid tubes, giant squid rings, giant squid flowers, giant squid steaks, giant squid strips, giant squid fillets, giant squid tentacles etc.. But this year, these ships will not conduct fishing operations within the 200-nautical-mile range.