Argentina exported 251,824 tonnes of fish and shellfish for USD 501.7 million in the first six months of 2008, reveal statistics released by the National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA).

These figures represent a 7 per cent drop in volume and a 3.1 per cent decrease in value, compared to the same period in 2007 when exports totalled 270,558 tonnes worth USD 517.5 million.

SENASA certified fish exports for around 142,178 tonnes, worth USD 311.2 million, and 109,646 tonnes of shellfish valued at USD 190.5 million between January and June.

With 93,504 tonnes worth USD 83 million, squid (Illex argentinus) landings were the most successful in terms of volume.

Next in importance were common hake (Merluccius hubbsi) with 65,188 tonnes worth USD 160.1 million; hoki (Macruronus magellanicus) with 14,961 tonnes valued at 28.9 million; and shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) with 11,877 tonnes totalling USD 88.2 million.

Patagonian anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) exports followed with 10,319 tonnes valued at USD 18 million ; golden kingclip (Genypterus blacodes) with 4,031 tonnes worth USD 16.4 million, and Patagonian scallops (Zygochlamys patagonica) with 3,892 tonnes worth USD 20.1 million.

Other exports included 3,122 tonnes of short-tailed river stingray (Potamotrygon brachyura) worth USD 7.2 million, and 1,842 tonnes of sole (Paralichthys patagonicus) worth USD 8.3 million, among other species.

 Spain continued to be the main destination market for Argentine fish and shellfish with purchases of nearly 83,731 tonnes worth USD 150.4 million between January and June.

The second most important market was Brazil with 21,583 tonnes valued at USD 56 million; followed by Italy with 16,419 tonnes worth USD 45.3 million; and the United States with 10,589 tonnes worth USD 33.8 million.