Minister of Production highlights the reactivation of anchovy fishing and measures against illegality.

During a recent presentation before the Commission on Production, Micro and Small Enterprises, and Cooperatives of Congress, the Minister of Production, Sergio González, highlighted the initiatives from his sector for the start of the second season of anchovy fishing. This announcement has generated positive expectations among stakeholders in the fishing sector, who see this activity as an opportunity to reactivate the national economy in the coming months. Anchovy fishing is vital not only for the economy but also for the fish meal industry, which represents a significant portion of Peruvian exports. González reported that the Institute of the Sea of Peru (Imarpe) has begun the necessary evaluations to determine the conditions for the new industrial anchovy fishing season in the north-central coastal area of Peru. With two evaluation cruises underway, a final report is expected by October, which will officially define the opening of this season and establish the allowable fishing quotas. Preliminary prospects are encouraging, according to the minister, who anticipated that fishing activity would reactivate in November, December, and part of January 2025, which could significantly contribute to the national economy during a critical period. Anchovy catches are fundamental for fish meal production, an essential input for animal feed and aquaculture, sectors that also depend on the health of the marine ecosystem. Additionally, González provided an overview of the capture of other fishery resources for direct human consumption. With a total quota of 107,000 tons, progress has already been made in catching various species, including bonito, mackerel, and hake. Although squid has faced difficulties due to climatic issues, horse mackerel has shown positive results, approaching its maximum catch quota. However, the reactivation of the fishing sector is not limited to evaluating quotas and fishing seasons. It is also crucial to address the problem of illegal fishing, which severely affects the industry and the sustainability of marine resources. In this regard, the minister announced measures to strengthen the fight against foreign vessels operating illegally in Peruvian waters. To tackle this challenge, modifications to the regulatory framework governing the entry of foreign fishing vessels are expected. Through a supreme decree, additional conditions will be sought for the control of these vessels, including the requirement for renewal of fishing certificates and changes in crew members. These measures are part of a broader effort to discourage unreported and unregulated fishing. The government's approach is clear: it seeks to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of marine resources, which includes the use of advanced technology for satellite tracking of fishing vessels. This will allow for more effective monitoring and contribute to the eradication of illegal fishing in Peru's territorial sea, which extends for 200 nautical miles. The proposed modifications have already received favorable opinions from other ministries, suggesting institutional support for these initiatives. The fight against illegal fishing is of great importance, as it not only affects the national economy but also biodiversity and the health of marine ecosystems that sustain fishing activities. With the arrival of the new anchovy fishing season and additional measures to combat illegal fishing, the attention of the fishing sector is focused on how the coming months will unfold. The combination of proper fisheries management and the promotion of the formalization of artisanal fishing are necessary steps to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for this vital Peruvian industry. The fishing community hopes that these actions will not only benefit fishermen but also contribute to the overall well-being of the national economy.