Illex argentinus is a short-lived and economically important squid species inhabiting shallow waters in the southwest Atlantic Ocean. The annual production of I. argentinus fluctuates and varies between years. Complex oceanographic structuring due to the confluence of the Malvinas cold current and the Brazilian warm current in the southwest Atlantic Ocean is a crucial factor driving the spatial and temporal variations in I. argentinus resources. The marine environmental conditions have profound effects on the biological characteristics of I. argentinus, influencing the early life history, population structure, reproduction, age and growth, and trophic level. Also, the abundance and spatial distribution of I. argentinus are sensitive to meso-scale oceanic environmental changes and large-scale climate variability, so squids respond quickly to climatic and environmental variations. This study suggests that the biological factors and internal dynamic processes of the population and the abiotic factors at various spatio-temporal scales need to be considered when evaluating the effects of the environmental factors on I. argentinus. To provide a scientific basis for the development and management of I. argentinus resources, an individual-based model of I. argentinus life history and the oceanographic processes should be developed.