Peru allocates over $1M to support artisanal fishing in 2025

In the first quarter of 2025, the Ministry of Production (Produce) in Peru, through the National Fisheries Development Fund (FONDEPES), has granted over $1 million in supervised credits to aquaculturists and artisanal fishing agents.

"This significant progress has been driven by the extraordinary credit programs we launched at the beginning of the year to support artisanal fishermen affected by climatic events and environmental disasters," said Minister Sergio González Guerrero.

Specifically, of the total disbursements, 73%, equivalent to approximately $735,000, was allocated to artisanal fishing, while the remaining amount, over $260,000, was directed towards financing aquaculture. This represents an increase of over 43% compared to the same period last year.

"163 credits have been granted across 20 regions of the country, reflecting the broad territorial coverage of FONDEPES' financial support and our commitment to strengthening artisanal fishing and aquaculture as key productive activities for regional development, within the framework of ensuring food security for the population," detailed González.

Financial support and activity reactivation

In the case of aquaculture, this financial support helps to acquire balanced feed, materials, and equipment, expand aquaculture infrastructure and incubation rooms, and purchase eggs and/or fingerlings.

For artisanal fishing, it allows the purchase of motors, nets, fishing gear, navigation and communication equipment, boat repairs, and cold storage insulation, among other materials and equipment for artisanal fishing.

Lastly, FONDEPES has launched three extraordinary credit programs with 0% and 1% annual interest rates to reactivate the activities of artisanal fishermen and aquaculturists affected by climatic and environmental events.

In 2024, Produce granted over $7.5 million in credits to artisanal fishermen and aquaculture farmers. In this case, the extraordinary credit programs were aimed at artisanal fishermen and aquaculture farmers affected by adverse weather conditions and represent a 64% increase compared to what was granted in 2023.