July 15, 2014    

Peru: Huge losses expected in seafood exports

Peru's National Fisheries Society (SNP) has expressed deep concern about the dismal results that are being achieved in the current season of anchovy fishing in the central-northern area of the country.

According to the data available to date, the organisation estimates that the industry could lose more than US$385 million in seafood exports.

"The set quota amounting to 2.53 million tonnes will not be fulfilled for the current season," Elena Conterno, SNP president, warned. Though there are only 20 days left to the end of the season, just half of the estimated anchovy catches have been exceeded, she stressed.

According to Conterno, the poor results are due to the drastic climatic conditions caused by sea warming.

As the waters off the Peruvian coast have been warmer since the start of the season, the anchovy migrates in search of cooler waters.

"The anchovy has also been in areas closer to the shore where, due to fishing regulations, the companies are barred from entering," she added.

The Ministry of Production recently authorised fishing for anchovy in specific areas of the northern central zone, from the mile 8. However, the SNP stresses that this implies that the tasks are allowed only in 8% of the area between miles 5 and 10, which is insufficient for the sector due to the increase in the fishing quota and the little remaining time of the season.

"To overcome this appalling situation, we require technical measures such as the extension of the fishing season, assuming that the anchovy life cycle makes it possible – and that businesses can work from mile 5," Conterno concluded.