Peru's anchovy fishery calendar has had an impact on production volumes and market trends at a global level.
Photo: Produce.
Peru has formally ended the first 2026 anchovy fishing season in the country's north-central zone after a scientific assessment found that conditions did not support the resumption of fishing.
The decision follows Operation EUREKA LXXVIII, carried out between 15 and 18 August by the Peruvian Institute of the Sea (IMARPE) under the Ministry of Production (Produce). The assessment had been closely watched after anchovy fishing in the area was suspended in early June amid unusually warm ocean conditions.
The closure came into force on 21 August in the maritime area between the northern limit of Peruvian waters and 16°00'S, covering both anchovy (Engraulis ringens) and longnose anchovy (Anchoa nasus) destined for indirect human consumption.
The announcement provides the answer to a question hanging over the Peruvian fishery since June. As WeAreAquaculture previously reported, EUREKA LXXVIII was launched earlier this month to provide updated information on the condition and distribution of anchovy stocks and help determine whether fishing could resume.
A day before announcing the end of the season, PRODUCE described the results of EUREKA LXXVIII as positive, saying the assessment had confirmed favourable growth of anchovy despite the impact of the El Niño phenomenon.
"We have been able to verify that the anchovy shows a good state of growth, and reproductive activity, even in a scenario of stress associated with El Niño. This scientific evidence is fundamental for PRODUCE to adopt timely, responsible decisions aimed at guaranteeing the sustainability of the resource," Vice-Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Jesús Barrientos said in a government announcement.
However, the more detailed results released alongside the decision to end the season showed why the authorities did not consider conditions suitable for fishing to restart.
IMARPE found anchovies ranging from 6 to 15 centimetres in length, with juveniles accounting for 65% of individuals and 48% by weight. Somatic condition and fat content also remained at low levels, which PRODUCE said were due to environmental conditions that were still unfavourable.
The assessment also found persistent anomalously warm conditions off the Peruvian coast. Reproductive activity increased during August but remained below the historical levels expected for the period, according to the ministry.
Despite the favourable evolution observed in the anchovy population, PRODUCE said the findings did not support restarting fishing.
The first north-central anchovy season had been interrupted for more than two months before the latest decision.
Fishing was initially fishing suspended since in early June for 15 days as warm ocean conditions affected the distribution and biological condition of the resource. The suspension was subsequently extended indefinitely while authorities awaited further scientific evidence.
EUREKA LXXVIII was launched against that backdrop, with 22 industrial vessels taking part in a scientific survey directed by IMARPE. The operation collected biological, oceanographic and hydroacoustic information on anchovy and other pelagic resources.
The survey examined factors including size structure, the presence of juveniles and adults, reproductive activity and ocean conditions. According to PRODUCE, the operation also provided updated information on the distribution and concentration of the stock as it responds to environmental variability associated with El Niño.
"In PRODUCE we have a clear premise: sustainability is above any short-term decision. The scientific results indicate that we must act responsibly in order to safeguard the anchovy population, ensure the renewal of its biomass and guarantee the continuity of this activity for the country," said Peru's Production Minister Juan Carlos Requejo.
"This is precisely the importance of having solid scientific institutions such as IMARPE. Operation EUREKA LXXVIII has allowed us to update the available information and make a technical, timely and responsible decision. Science allows us to act today to protect the resource and ensure its sustainable use in the future," he added.