Dragon Fishing & Trading Company Ltd who alongside our South Korean partners, are in the business of fishing for squid (Illex argentinus) in the South Atlantic Ocean. We are based in the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory which lies in the South Atlantic Ocean and approximately 300 miles east of South America’s southern Patagonian coast.
Dragon Fishing and Trading Company Ltd a hold a significant number of licences to fish for Illex argentinus within the Falkland Islands Conservation Zone, partnering exclusively with our long-term Korean vessel owners. Over the years we have established ourselves as the main partner holding 89% of the fishing licences held by Korea which translates to 25 vessels. We expect this to increase to 26 vessels in 2025.
The majority of the product is sold on the Korean market however Dragon Fishing & Trading Company Ltd and our partners are always seeking opportunities to introduce this quality product into new and additional markets. We have partnerships with 13 fishing companies, and some are interested in exploring new markets with vessels that have registered with the government to enable export to the EU.
The management of the Falkland Islands fishery is recognised for its commitment to sustainable fishing and is regarded as being one of the best-managed fisheries in the world. Our method of fishing for Illex argentinus is considered as a ‘clean’ form of fishing as jigging vessels use unbaited lures to specifically target the species they are licensed to fish, resulting in zero by-catch.
As our fishing grounds are located in a unique and beautiful part of the world, we ensure that our fishers appreciate the environment and are educated in how to treat our marine mammals and birds respectfully if interactions take place. One of our vessels was recently chosen by a member of the Falkland Islands Government Fisheries Department to undertake a 3-day survey to establish a working protocol for their observers to adopt during fishing operations. Our vessels freeze the product whole which means that there is little interaction with seabirds and marine mammals that you would find with other nations fishing in Falkland waters, who are discarding to sea. Incidentally, the vessel was described as outstanding!
Dragon Fishing & Trading Company Ltd prioritise the health, safety and welfare of all fishers working onboard our partner Korean vessels. Our company’s commitment to our fishers goes above and beyond requirements. We provide an onboard annual pre-season training package which includes SOLAS refresher training, specific workplace training and visual assessments of the emergency drills conducted onboard. This training package is in addition to and supplements the mandatory STCW training all our fishers require. Fishing Safety Management audit and supplementary vessel inspections also take place on every vessel prior to their commencing fishing operations.
All the pre-season preparations above are provided by our maritime training subsidiary company in conjunction with a leading UK maritime consultant. We monitor the health and safety of our fishers daily and we are regular attendees of the FISH Platform.
Together supporting sustainable, ethical and socially responsible fishing within the Falkland Islands Exclusive Economic Zone and beyond.
GET IN TOUCH
Email us on:
[email protected]
or fill in contact form below and one of our team will be in touch ASAP
