Eastern Pacific bonito or southern bonito is one of the most abundant species in Peru, and 2024 is proving to be a good year for this fishery.
Photo: Produce.
After analyzing the landings made in the period from January to May, the Peruvian Ministry of Production (Produce) announced its decision to modify the catch quota limit for bonito (Sarda chiliensischiliensis) to 91,000 tons in 2024. The provision applies to artisanal fishing vessels.
Eastern Pacific bonito - a fish related to tuna and mackerel - is one of the most abundant species in Peru, and 2024 is proving to be a good year for this fishery. As WeAreAquaculture reported, in less than five months 81% more bonito had already been caught than the previous year, and 79% more than in 2022.
On May 21, Produce reported that the bonito catch from January to May 2024 had already reached a record 71,411.88 tons, which by the end of the month had increased to 73,300 tons. Considering this figure, the Peruvian Ministry of Production has decided to modify the quota for the remainder of the year to reach the 91,000 tons mentioned above.
For the period already started from June to December 2024, the catch limits have been established as follows:
Until October 31: using purse seine fishing gear, vessels up to 20 m3, 6,000 tons; vessels over 20 m3 up to 32.6 m3, 4,000 tons; and using curtain fishing gear and others, the limit will be 2000 tons.
From November 1 to December 31: using purse seine fishing gear, vessels up to 20 m3, 1,900 tons; vessels over 20 m³ up to 32.6 m³, 2,850 tons; and using curtain fishing gear and other types of fishing gear, 950 tons.
Produce has also emphasized that to ensure compliance with this provision, the General Directorate of Supervision, Inspection and Sanction will carry out surveillance actions in coordination with the General Directorate of Coast Guard and Coast Guard of the Peruvian Navy of the Ministry of Defense (DICAPI) and the regional governments, and will sanction those who fail to comply with it.
Among other measures, at the time of landing the bonito, the vessels must hand in the fishing logbook, and the skipper or a designated crew member must record the data recorded in the logbook regarding the vessel, fishing gear, fishing areas, estimated catch (kg), or any other information required from the mentioned logbook.
The Government of Peru has strengthened its commitment against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and just yesterday Produce reported that 71,432 inspection audits have been carried out so far this year. In addition, it recently joined forces with the United States, and instructors from the U.S. NOAA gave a workshop to strengthen the capacities of Peruvian professionals involved in the prevention and elimination of IUU fishing.