The Ministry of Production (Produce) has authorized the Peruvian Institute of the Sea (Imarpe) to carry out exploratory fishing for two species: bonito (Sarda chiliensis chiliensis) and red sea urchin (Loxechinus albus).
Exploratory fishing is a crucial research method for assessing the state of the seas. It involves the active use of instruments and fishing gear to determine the presence of fishery resources and provide qualitative or quantitative estimates of specific species, in this case, bonito and red sea urchin.
The exploratory bonito fishing will be carried out in the maritime area adjacent to the department of Ica until October 31, 2023, as established in Ministerial Resolution N° 00278-2023-PRODUCE published in the newspaper El Peruano, where all the requirements are included.
The first of these is the duration. This period depends on the volume and, failing that, a stipulated date. The catch volume authorized must not exceed 1,500 tons or, failing that, must not exceed December 31, 2023. Which one is achieved first will be determined by the General Directorate of Supervision, Control, and Sanction.
On the other hand, there are also certain restrictions regarding the vessels allowed to carry out exploratory fishing. Thus, vessels using purse seine fishing gear must not exceed 3 tons of bonito per fishing trip and vessel.
The other species also under exploratory fishing is the red sea urchin. Ministerial resolution N° 00279-2023-PRODUCE regulates this one, and it will last for 15 days in a specific area. The start date is still unknown, although the resolution clarified that it begins after the publication of the list of artisanal fishing vessels and non-boat artisanal fishermen with fishing competence of the respective Regional Government.
To participate in exploratory fishing, the participants -embarked and non-embarked artisanal fishermen- must have a valid fishing permit. Furthermore, they must also be members of social organizations of artisanal fishermen that have carried out extractive activities in the maritime area mentioned in the ministerial resolution.
On the other hand, the extraction of the red sea urchin resource should not exceed 0.3 tons per boat trip.
Finally, the resolution prohibits entering the Strict Protection Zone of the San Fernando National Reserve and Punta San Juan of the National Reserve of the System of Islands, Islets, and Guano Points. For this reason, and to control them, there will be a registry of departure and arrival.
Artisanal fishermen harvesting this red sea urchin will deduct it from the Total Maximum Allowable Catch Limit (TAC) allocated for the harvesting season.
The Peruvian Institute of the Sea (Imarpe) is a technical organization under the Ministry of Production. Its functions is generating scientific knowledge. Thus, through its expertise allows the Peruvian government to receive accurate and timely scientific advice.
