Peruvian authorities issued almost 2,000 infraction notices and seized more than 3,200 tons of hydrobiological products last year.
Photo: Produce.
Last June, Peru's Ministry of Production (Produce) announced its intention to strengthen its commitment against illegal fishing. By the end of the year, this effort resulted in a record number of inspections to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the country in 2024.
By the end of the year, this commitment to the sustainability of marine resources had resulted in a total of 163,148 inspections nationwide, 1,909 infraction reports issued, and 3,285.64 tons of hydrobiological products seized.
Essential to the Peruvian fishing industry, anchovy represented the largest volume of these seizures, with 1,003 tons, which, Produce said, underscores the need to maintain strict vigilance over its capture.
"The effort deployed in 2024, is a clear signal that we will not tolerate illegal practices against our resources. These actions not only protect our marine heritage but also ensure the livelihood of thousands of families who depend on responsible fishing," said Peru's Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Jesús Barrientos.
As mentioned, the more than 163,000 interventions to protect hydrobiological resources carried out by Produce during 2024 not only ensured compliance with fishing regulations but also prioritized the protection of key species for the economy and environmental balance.
"The surveillance is not only a control task, it is a commitment to the future of sustainable fishing in Peru. We work to ensure that each product that reaches the market is obtained legally and sustainably, guaranteeing the competitiveness of our responsible fishermen. The sustainability of fishery resources is a guarantee of development for present and future generations," Vice Minister Barrientos added.
In its commitment to transparency, legality, and sustainable development of the fishing sector, Produce works hand in hand with fishermen and regional institutions to ensure economic growth, food security, and the well-being of thousands of Peruvians who depend on fishing activities.
Therefore, the Peruvian Ministry of Production applies a surveillance strategy adapted to each area to maximize efficiency. By regions, Ancash led in inspections with 53,835 interventions and the seizure of 1,671.07 tons of hydrobiological products. Arequipa, on the other hand, led in infractions with 475 reports, while Puno registered only three.
Undoubtedly, 2024 marked a turning point in Peru's fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and Produce redoubled its efforts through different initiatives ranging from training for ministry officials to legislation.
Thus, in May, in a joint effort with the United States, through the National Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Peru's Ministry of Production held a workshop to strengthen the capacities of Peruvian professionals involved in preventing and eliminating IUU fishing.
Just one month later, Produce announced that it would modify the Regulations of the Satellite Tracking System for fishing vessels (SISESAT) to expand the market for suppliers of this technology in the country. The measure was taken in anticipation of the legislative change to prevent and combat illegal fishing by foreign vessels that the Peruvian Government had already planned at the time and which finally took place in October 2024.
"It was established that any foreign vessel entering our country, either to change crew members, repair their vessels or any administrative activity, must have its satellite control system installed at the time of departure," summarized the head of Produce, Sergio Gonzalez, this week.
Thanks to this new standard, the Peruvian Ministry of Production can carry out the inspection using satellite systems operated by the country's Navy. Minister González pointed out that this measure is important because it seeks to preserve the country's hydrobiological resources, taking into account that Peru has one of the most productive seas in the world.