April 19, 2004

Peru Extends Exploratory Anchovy Fishing Season
 

Peru has extended an exploratory fishing season for anchovy to May 7 in an area from the extreme north to 16 degrees south, the Ministry of Production said Friday in a note published in the official gazette.

The government had opened an exploratory season from April 2 to April 16 after placing a seasonal ban from Jan. 16 in order to allow for spawning.

The ministry has also been placing temporary bans in the same area due to the presence of juvenile fish.

Peru is the world's largest producer and exporter of fishmeal, made mainly from anchovy.

Bans are imposed and lifted to protect the stock based on findings from Peru's marine science institute, Imarpe.