According to a 2021 study published in the journal "Marine Policy", a significant portion of the world's squid supply comes from unregulated waters, raising concerns about the sustainability and traceability of this important seafood source. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of British Columbia and Sea Around Us, analyzed catch data from 1950 to 2018 for 31 squid species, representing approximately 90% of global squid landings. Here are some key findings:

1. Unregulated Fishing:

- 43% of the total global squid catch comes from unregulated waters, primarily in the Central-Western Pacific Ocean.

- China, Indonesia, and Vietnam are the top three countries responsible for unregulated squid fishing.

- Unregulated fishing often involves limited or no management measures, leading to overexploitation of squid stocks and associated marine ecosystems.

2. Increasing Trend:

- The proportion of unregulated squid catches has increased over time, particularly since the 1990s.

- This rise corresponds to the increasing global demand for squid, which has driven fishing efforts into poorly regulated or unmanaged waters.

3. Top Squid Fishing Nations:

- China, Peru, and Japan are the top three countries in terms of total squid catches, accounting for over half of the global squid supply.

- China alone accounts for nearly a third of the world's squid catch.

4. Squid Stock Status:

- The study found that 30% of squid stocks are currently overexploited, while another 20% are fully exploited.

- Overexploitation of squid stocks threatens their long-term sustainability and can have ecological impacts, such as disrupting food chains and altering marine ecosystems.

5. Traceability Challenges:

- The unregulated nature of many squid fisheries makes it challenging to trace the origins of squid products back to specific fishing grounds.

- This traceability issue hampers efforts to ensure sustainable and responsible seafood consumption.

The study emphasizes the need for improved regulation and management of squid fisheries, particularly in unregulated waters, to ensure the sustainability of squid stocks and the livelihoods of those dependent on this important resource. It also highlights the importance of increasing transparency and traceability throughout the seafood supply chain to promote responsible consumption choices.