"It is not a question of increasing the total quota, but rather of improving its use under a control and traceability scheme," said Peruvian Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Photo: Produce.
In an effort to optimize competitiveness and increase controlled landings without affecting the sustainability of the resource, Peru's Ministry of Production (Produce) has decided to modify the jumbo flying squid (Dosidicus gigas) catch limits per fishing trip for artisanal vessels equipped with the government-backed Satellite Tracking System (SISESAT).
Unlike the previous model, which set catch limits per fishing trip based on hold capacity and additional tolerance margins, artisanal vessels that have the SISESAT system installed and operational are now exempt from these limits.
The measure, which is based on the principle of sustainable and adaptive fisheries management, maintains the total allowable catch (TAC) already set at 76,324 tons for the period January-February 2026 for the artisanal fleet with a valid permit.
According to Produce, this will enable vessels to optimize their operations and competitiveness, respecting the volume authorized in their fishing permits and without, as mentioned, implying an increase in the TAC, but rather better utilization under control, traceability, and sustainability criteria.
Peru's Ministry of Production also noted that the new system concentrates the benefit on the formal artisanal fishing fleet, which has real-time satellite monitoring, allowing for greater control of catch operations and the total volume landed.
"It is not a question of increasing the total quota, but rather of improving its use under a control and traceability scheme that strengthens fisheries management and enforcement," stated the Peruvian Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Jesús Barrientos.
"The objective is for artisanal fishermen to develop and optimize their fishing activity given the current conditions of the resource, fishing areas, the time of their operations, and the use of the authorized quota, prioritizing vessels that operate under permanent monitoring through SISESAT, without compromising the sustainability of the resource," he also said.
The new measure comes just a few days after Produce also announced the strengthening of conservation and management measures for jumbo flying squid fishery on the high seas to ensure traceability in accordance with international standards.