October 14, 2026 — Global squid industry leaders are calling for stronger international fisheries management, improved scientific cooperation, and greater traceability as fishing activity and market demand continue to grow.
Representatives from fishing fleets, seafood processors, and regional advisory groups discussed the future of global squid fisheries during a panel at CONXEMAR 2026 in Vigo, Spain, highlighting gaps in stock assessments, international governance, and efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Squid fisheries supply major international seafood markets and processing industries, particularly in Europe, but many operate across national boundaries and international waters, complicating management and enforcement.
Panelists pointed to uncontrolled fishing effort near exclusive economic zones, limited scientific data, and inconsistent oversight as challenges facing the sector.
Much of the discussion centered on the South Pacific jumbo flying squid fishery, where the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO) has been working to improve scientific assessments. At a recent scientific meeting, however, member countries stopped short of completing a full stock-assessment framework or establishing hard catch limits for the fishery.