After anchovy, the jumbo flying squid fishery is the second most important in Peru, generating more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2023.
Photo: Produce.
Last month, Peru announced new measures to ensure jumbo flying squid sustainability that are now a reality. Peru's Ministry of Production (Produce) said yesterday that the new Fisheries Management Regulation to manage the exploitation of this fishery resource sustainably has been approved.
In February, Produce said the new regulation intended to balance economic activity and ecosystem conservation. Now, the Peruvian fishing authority has added that this update seeks to improve traceability, optimize fisheries management, guarantee the species' sustainability, encourage the participation of the national fleet in high-seas fishing, and ensure compliance with international standards.
In addition, the Regulation promotes the active participation of the sector's stakeholders, incorporating inclusive governance mechanisms for decision-making. All these measures, as highlighted by the Peruvian Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Jesús Barrientos, are important to modernize the fishing activity and improve the conditions of the sector in Peru.
"This new regulation represents an important step to consolidate the jumbo flying squid fishery as a sustainable and competitive activity, ensuring the welfare of thousands of artisanal fishermen and strengthening the country's economic development and food security," he said.
Among its main provisions, the new Regulation establishes the exclusive use of the squid-jig as a fishing gear, recommended by the Peruvian Sea Institute (Imarpe) due to its selectivity and low environmental impact since its operability allows a specific catch without generating negative impacts on other species or the marine environment.
When it was announced in February, the measure was applauded by the National Society of Artisanal Fishing (Sonapescal) of Peru, which brings together 28% of the fishing vessels dedicated to the catch of jumbo flying squid and yellowtail kingfish in the country.
Likewise, the new Fishing Management Regulation mandates the implementation of the Virtual System for Registration in the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SIVIROP), which will facilitate the registration of Peruvian vessels on the high seas.
To promote its implementation, incentives and a monitoring system will be established so that more vessels from the South American country participate in international waters, strengthening Peru's presence in global fisheries.
Finally, another important reform refers to the regulation of the beginning of the season. The new Regulation approved by Produce establishes that jumbo flying squid fishing may only begin in January and under a Ministerial Resolution that determines the maximum limit of the total allowable catch (TAC), which will allow a controlled and sustainable extraction.
Nevertheless, the Ministry of Production may authorize temporary quotas or special regimes without affecting the TAC.
With some 4,200 artisanal vessels and around 14,000 fishermen involved, the jumbo flying squid fishery is currently the second most important in Peru after anchovy. In 2023, it represented 14.9% of the fishery resources in wholesale markets and generated more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, and forecasts indicate that, by 2025, it will once again be a protagonist.
However, despite its weight in the sector, Produce pointed out that challenges were also identified, such as the lack of certification, the absence of a monitoring system for artisanal vessels, and the need to update management measures.
Within this framework, the Fisheries Traceability System (SITRAPESCA) will also be implemented, which will record information on the capture, landing, reception, and processing of the jumbo flying squid, guaranteeing its legal origin and facilitating its access to markets with high sustainability standards.
"The new regulation not only protects the resource but also promotes traceability and certification of the fishery, which will allow us to position ourselves more solidly in demanding international markets," emphasized Vice Minister Barrientos.
