Produce's official inspecting seahorse catches. The Peruvian Minister of Production, Sergio González, stressed that "Peru firmly assumes its role in the defense of the oceans."
Photo: Produce.
The month ending today has been key for Peru's efforts to consolidate its position as an active and responsible player in the global fight against illegal fishing, reaffirm its commitment to the sustainability of its marine resources, and strengthen its fisheries governance.
In June, in addition to announcing the results of its intense enforcement against illegal fishing and taking stock of its citizen education campaigns, the Peruvian Ministry of Production (Produce) also took two important steps at the international level by adhering, even without being a member, to the OECD recommendation to combat illegal fishing, and also signing the United Nations Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).
Peru's weight in fisheries such as anchovy which, as IFFO, The Marine Ingredients Organisation, constantly reminds us, is key in the production of fishmeal and fish oil since the South American country contributes an average of 20% of world production, therefore, the sustainability of its fishing sector is an issue that not only transcends the sector itself, but also affects other industries such as feed or aquaculture at a global level.
Coinciding with the celebration of the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU fishing) on June 5, the day before, Peru announced its adherence to the recommendation of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to combat IUU fishing.
In charge of promoting sustainable, efficient, and resilient fisheries and aquaculture that contribute to ecosystem health, food security, responsible trade, and the well-being of coastal communities, the OECD Fisheries Committee (COFI) had adopted this recommendation on April 29, 2025. In order to achieve adherence to the new legal instrument as soon as possible, Produce initiated steps immediately, in May 2025.
Peru thus became one of the first non-member countries to join this global instrument, consolidating not only its position as an active and responsible player in the global fight against illegal fishing but also taking a further step in strengthening fisheries governance.
Among the commitments assumed by Peru are to condition access to government support to legally authorized vessels, with traceability of their ownership and operation; to establish mechanisms to suspend or withdraw benefits to operators linked to IUU fishing; to promote the exchange of information between national authorities and international forums on proven cases of illegal fishing; and to evaluate and mitigate the risks that current support programs directly or indirectly favor these practices.
"This adhesion is not symbolic: it is a tangible commitment to eradicate any form of illegal fishing that threatens our resources, our economy and the future of thousands of fishing families," stated Sergio González, the Peruvian Minister of Production, while stressing that "Peru firmly assumes its role in the defense of the oceans."
As a candidate country for OECD membership, Peru actively participates in COFI's technical and policy discussions, contributing specialized information and advancing in the progressive alignment with its standards. But its offensive against illegal fishing is not limited to external collaboration; internally, the Ministry of Production has also intensified its offensive against IUU fishing.
Just from January to May, more than 73,000 inspections were carried out along the Peruvian coastline, which resulted in the seizure of more than 2,000 tons of fishery products obtained illegally. According to Produce, these actions were complemented with the return to the sea of more than 50 tons of live species, directly contributing to the recovery of marine populations.
In addition, during the period, more than 1,500 joint operations were carried out with other government agencies, representing a 15% increase in seizures compared to the same period last year. Peru continues the trend started in 2024, when IUU fishing inspections set a record in the country.
"Our fight against illegal fishing is not limited to discourse or figures. We are acting decisively, with technology and with a preventive approach. Today, more than ever, we are joining forces inside and outside the country to protect what belongs to everyone: the Peruvian sea," emphasized Minister González.
The Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Jesús Barrientos, confirmed. "We are confronting illegal fishing with decision and technology. We are not only controlling more, but we are also closing gaps with accessible solutions for the artisanal fisherman."
Joint inspection by officials from Produce and the Peruvian Coast Guard.
Photo: Produce.
Vice Minister Barrientos thus recalled the recent implementation of new technological categories in satellite tracking equipment, with low-cost and highly accessible devices for artisanal vessels, facilitating their integration into the control and surveillance system.
Produce announced the measure in May, just a few days after also making public that the Peruvian Institute of the Sea (Imarpe) - dependent, like Produce, on the Ministry of Production - had signed a scientific cooperation agreement with the NGO Global Fishing Watch to promote marine research, strengthen vessel monitoring, and promote transparency and sustainable management of ocean resources in Peru.
However, determined as it is to reaffirm its leadership in the defense of the country's hydrobiological resources, committed to sustainable, legal and responsible fishing that guarantees the well-being of future generations and the competitiveness of the national fishing sector, Produce's actions have not been limited to the monitoring and control of fishing activities.
At the same time, the Peruvian Ministry of Production has deployed the national campaign ‘Responsible Fishing and Consumption’, promoting respect for minimum sizes, closed fishing seasons, and the protection of vulnerable species. This educational initiative, which has reached students, shopkeepers, fishermen, and mothers, has impacted more than 20,000 people throughout the country.
"Change begins with citizen awareness. Educating about responsible fishing is as important as sanctioning those who break the law," stressed Barrientos, emphasizing the active role of citizens in protecting marine ecosystems.
June was also the month in which Produce opened for public consultation the draft of the National Fisheries Policy by 2040. The proposal - on which it was possible to oppose between June 7 and 21 - sought to strengthen the sustainable use of Peruvian hydrobiological resources, increase the sector's productivity, and boost commercialization, especially in the domestic market.
The Ministry said that the new policy addresses three structural causes of the sector's low performance: inadequate use of hydrobiological resources, low productivity of fishing agents, and limited commercialization in the domestic and international markets.
"This national policy is a milestone. It marks the path towards modern, profitable, and sustainable fishing. It is not just another road map: it is the instrument that will allow us to organize, plan, and multiply the social and economic impact of the sector," the Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture stated.
A few days later, the Ministry of Production informed the public about the signing of the United Nations Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), of which it remarked that its application is limited exclusively to the high seas, outside the country's maritime domain, and does not modify Peru's historical position regarding the 200-mile limit; nor does it collide with the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) or the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). On the contrary, it highlighted that the signature strengthens its position as a state committed to marine conservation and sustainability.
According to Produce, among other things, the BBNJ Agreement will allow Peru's active participation in the discussion and decision-making processes, with voice and vote, for the international governance of the ocean beyond 200 miles; the positioning of its national interests beyond that distance, as well as the proactive representation and defense of its fisheries and biodiversity; access to benefits from the exploitation of offshore marine genetic resources, which will be distributed among the states parties; and, finally, access to advanced marine technology, scientific cooperation and international financing.
