The Policy proposes three priority objectives: fisheries management, technological innovation, and improved marketing of hydrobiological products.
Photo: Produce.
Peru's Minister of Production, Sergio González Guerrero, announced that the Council of Ministers approved the 'National Fishing Policy to 2040', the first-ever fisheries policy in the South American Country. The purpose of the new policy - which was open for consultation for 15 days in June - is to transform the country's fisheries sector through management, technological innovation, and improved marketing of value-added hydrobiological products.
"Peru is a fishing country, recognized by FAO as one of the most productive seas in the world. However, we did not have a National Fishing Policy; therefore, its approval was one of President Dina Boluarte's commitments," said Minister González.
Just a couple of days before the approval of this new Fisheries Policy, on the occasion of the celebration of Peru's National Holidays, the Peruvian President, Dina Boluarte, took stock of the achievements of the past year, highlighting the importance of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the country's economic recovery.
The process of formulating Peru's new National Fishing Policy has been a work of several months, which was led by the Ministry of Production (Produce) following the guidelines of the National Center for Strategic Planning (CEPLAN), and subsequently achieved consensus in the Vice-Ministerial Coordination Council.
"There was a pre-publication and an articulated work for several months among different actors. As a result, we now have an approved National Fisheries Policy," stated Minister González. As mentioned above, the 'National Fishing Policy to 2040' aims to be a roadmap to transform the Peruvian fishing sector and provide more than 440,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The objective of this roadmap is to strengthen the sustainability of resources, modernize the fishing infrastructure, boost the coastal and Amazonian economy, and put more hydrobiological products on Peruvians' tables. In other words, it is a long-term strategic instrument that seeks to comprehensively transform the fishing activity, making it more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive.
Furthermore, Produce assured that this management document becomes the new guide to ensure that fishing not only continues to be an economic engine, but also an important factor in social welfare and food security.
As mentioned above, Peru's 'National Fishing Policy to 2040' proposes three priority objectives to achieve modern and sustainable fisheries: fisheries management, technological innovation, and improved marketing of hydrobiological products.
Objective by objective, the first of these is to strengthen the sustainable use of hydrobiological resources through evidence-based scientific fisheries management, improvements in surveillance and control, product traceability, technical training for artisanal fishermen, and strengthening of the national fleet outside the 200-mile limit.
The strategy outlined in the new Fishing Policy promotes investment in technological innovation and monitoring systems, which will increase fishermen's productivity by between 8% and 12% through more selective fishing methods with less ecological impact.
The second objective is to increase fishery production by modernizing artisanal fishing landing sites (DPAs) - which has already begun -, strengthening sanitary infrastructure, extending the cold chain, and promoting technological innovation to improve productivity throughout the value chain.
Produce stated that the emphasis on sanitary infrastructure will increase the confidence of ship owners and open opportunities for local development. According to their forecast, an increase of up to 60% in landing operations is expected, which will improve the productive chain in fishing areas.
The third objective is to improve the commercialization of fishery products in the international market, but above all in the domestic market, strengthening the distribution chain and domestic consumption. This will be done by promoting the training of fishermen in commercial management, distribution logistics and storage, which will make it possible to bring more quality hydrobiological products to the entire country, including districts that today have limited access.
Improvements in the storage, transportation, and positioning of products will increase their perceived value by the end consumer. The Ministry of Production estimates that sales of products such as fresh and canned fish could grow by up to 23% at the national level, contributing to food safety and promoting a healthy, nutritious, and sustainable consumption culture.
"This policy recognizes fishing as a strategic activity that connects the economy, food, and life of our coastal communities. We are not just talking about an extractive activity, we are talking about opportunities for thousands of Peruvians," highlighted the Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Jesús Barrientos.
"With this policy, we will protect our first five miles, improve fishing infrastructure, promote technology, and dignify the work of our fishermen. It is a forward-looking policy with specific results for those who depend on the sea," he continued.
Currently, the fishing sector employs, directly or indirectly, 370,000 people, and the projection for 2040 is to exceed 440,000 jobs. In addition, Produce assured that, with the implementation of this policy, the fishing sector is projected to go from contributing 0.75% to 1.29% of the national GDP, and estimates that it will boost the economy with an additional USD 467 million per year in foreign currency, directly benefiting coastal and Amazonian communities.
Finally, the Minister of Production added that another important point framed in this policy - and also ratified by President Boluarte in her presidential message - is the beginning of the construction of a scientific vessel.
"Peru, through the Peruvian Institute of the Sea (Imarpe), had vessels built more than fifty years ago. It was necessary to modernize this scientific infrastructure," said Minister Gonzalez, who recalled that the contract for the construction of the first scientific vessel has already been awarded. The agreement was signed with the Korean company SIMA and the amount amounts to more than 220 million PEN (61.85 million USD).
Produce's release ends by saying that, with the implementation of its 'National Fishing Policy to 2040' - important to remember, the first fisheries policy ever in the country - Peru is on its way to "consolidate an orderly, modern and inclusive fisheries, which not only contributes to economic growth, but also guarantees the conservation of its resources for future generations."
