Peruvian fishermen landing jumbo flying squid catches from a fishing boat.
Photo: Produce.
Peru's Ministry of Production (Produce) announced the implementation of new management measures to guarantee the sustainability of the jumbo flying squid - also known as Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas) – resource and strengthen the activity of thousands of artisanal fishermen in the country.
The provisions ordered by Produce establish that, from now on, to access the resource, fishermen must have a valid fishing permit. In addition, only the use of squid-jig as the fishing gear will be allowed, and the landings of jumbo flying squid catches must be done at the landing points authorized by the General Directorate of Supervision, Inspection, and Sanction.
Based on the General Fisheries Law and the recommendations of the Peruvian Sea Institute (Imarpe), the Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Jesús Barrientos, highlighted the importance of these measures to guarantee the sustainable use of the resource, as well as the prompt recovery of the extraction volumes of the artisanal fishing fleet for the benefit of the national and international markets.
"This set of provisions responds to technical and scientific criteria that allow us to guarantee the continuity of one of the most important fisheries in the country, without compromising the balance of marine ecosystems," Barrientos said.
"With these actions, we reaffirm our commitment to artisanal fishing and the responsible management of marine resources. We seek a balance between economic activity and ecosystem conservation," the Peruvian Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture added.
The jumbo flying squid fishery is key to the economy of the South American country. In Peru, this activity involves 4,475 artisanal vessels and generates direct employment for more than 14,000 fishermen, benefiting an estimated 70,000 people.
In its release announcing the new measures, Peru's Ministry of Production insisted that it is seeking to ensure that the development of the jumbo flying squid fishery remains in harmony with the principles of sustainability and protection of the country's biodiversity.
As said above, to achieve this, Produce once again followed Imarpe's recommendations. This body attached to Peru's Ministry of Production is not only responsible for the research cruises whose results contribute to the analysis of fishing projections for the species but also makes advice on the use of fishing gear, and, in this case, recommended the squid-jig as the best alternative for its extraction.
The squid-jig is a very selective fishing gear consisting of a mother line from which hangs a cylindrical piece, at the end of which there are rows of hooks fastened together with radiating points for catching squid. Therefore, its operability allows a specific catch without generating negative impacts on other species or the marine environment.
The measure has been 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.
The association emphasized that the extraction of jumbo flying squid should only be carried out with this gear and that the measure recommended by Imarpe recognizes its effectiveness in maintaining ecological balance. "This scientific endorsement reinforces the importance of evidence-based policies," Sonapescal said.
In the opinion of the National Society of Artisanal Fisheries, with the implementation of these measures, Produce has taken "a historic step for the sustainable management of the jumbo flying squid fishery."
The association highlighted that, by prohibiting methods such as curtain and purse seine nets, selectivity and sustainability are prioritized, ensuring that artisanal fishing continues to be a dignified and environmentally responsible source of work.
President of Sonapescal, Elsa Vega Pardo, celebrated this achievement and highlighted the importance of the Government finally showing active listening: "This is a triumph for artisanal fishing and an example that when the government makes an effort to understand the needs of the sector, solutions that benefit everyone are achieved," she said.
"The measure not only protects our sea but will also care for the resource more effectively, ensuring its recovery," Vega Pardo continued.
She also emphasized that the unity of the sector is key to achieving positive changes, highlighting the role of her organization in promoting the technical dialogues that led to this regulation, and called on Produce to maintain this same essence to publish the new Fishing Management Regulation for jumbo flying squid as soon as possible.
