June 4, 2005

Peru lifts ban on one anchovy fishing area

Peru has lifted restrictions on anchovy fishing in the area between 7:00 degrees south to 10:30 degrees south as of June 3. The reason being that studies have shown the number of immature fish has fallen, said the Ministry of Production on Thursday.

The government had opened a fishing season from April 26 in a zone from the extreme north to 16 degrees south, though it later placed the temporary restrictions on the season.

The anchovy haul, which is used to make fishmeal, rose to 8.59 million tonnes in 2004, a 61 percent increase from the 5.34 million tonnes in 2003.

Peru is the world's largest producer and exporter of fishmeal, made mainly from anchovy and used chiefly in animal feed.