The idyllic relationship between the British colonial administration and transnational fishing companies—primarily Galician—has begun to show cracks. A recent debate within the colony's Fisheries Commission reveals an uncomfortable truth for the plunderers: the established colony does not trust the loyalty of its partners and seeks to legally compel them to live on the islands to prevent the profits from their plunder from fleeing to the European mainland or elsewhere.

The stigma of the "Absent Owner"

The conflict revolves around ITQ-B licenses, fishing concessions granted for a staggering 25 years . To access this lucrative opportunity, the British colony's illegal legislation requires companies to have 51% local ownership and for their directors to be "regular residents." What does this mean in practice? That they must remain in the archipelago for at least 183 days a year.

Andrea Clausen , the colonial government's Managing Director, was emphatic: "If the spirit of the law is not respected, we may have to legislate." This statement is a direct threat to the business owners who intend to collect dividends from Loligo squid, Patagonian toothfish , or black hake from the comfort of their offices in Vigo or Madrid, without ever setting foot on Malvina Islands soil.

The rebellion of the "partners"

Representatives of the fishing industry have protested vehemently. They argue that the fishing business is "dynamic" and that its managers must spend time away from the islands on "business trips" or to open new markets . Ultimately, it's a struggle for control of the money.

Legislator Roger Spink and the shadow of the sheep past

It is revealing that the colonial legislator Roger Spink mentions the "stigma" of the wool industry era, when landowners lived in the United Kingdom and left the islanders in poverty. Today, they fear that fishing will repeat that pattern. The irony is absolute: they fear being exploited by foreign capital, while they themselves exploit, steal, and plunder a resource that does not belong to them.

While the usurpers argue about how many days a year their associates must spend on the islands to be considered "residents," Argentina must take note of the names of these executives who are now requesting "exceptions" for business trips. If they travel the world to sell stolen squid or hake, they should know that they are also subject to the penalties that Argentine law prescribes for those who finance the usurpation.

April 3rd will be a key date to see if the colony becomes more rigid. Although the conclusion is simple: among thieves there is no loyalty, only self-interest.