With the intention of increasing the commercial capture of this specias, the National Institute of Fisheries (INP) is studying the presence off the coast of Ecuador of the jumbo or Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas). They hope to determine the geographical distribution of the species and its possible fishing seasons.

The study is being carried out at the fishing ports of Esmeraldas, Súa, Punta Galera, Muisne, Manta, Jaramijo, Puerto López and San Mateo, as these are the places where the squid is caught most frequently.

Marine biologist Luis Pacheco says the study hopes to find jumbo squid all along the Ecuadorian coast, even during this time of the year when the water is warmer. This squid--which can reach a mantle length of 1.5 metres--proliferates in colder water such as those in the Humboldt current which swells near Ecuador between July and October.

The team is currently at Esmeraldas post, in the North. In April, the ports of Santa Rosa and Anconcito will be studied. During the expected high period of the squid season, INP motherships will set up at sea to register biological, environmental and fishing data.

Presidents of artisanal fishing co-operatives are assisting with the government teams efforts to monitor the species. 

Original story