Artisanal fishers landing jumbo flying squid in a Peruvian port.
Photo: Produce.
Peru announced that for the period from January 1 to June 30, 2025, the total allowable catch (TAC) of jumbo flying squid (Dosidicus gigas) will be 190,000 tons. The Peruvian Ministry of Production (Produce) noted that constant monitoring, decision-making based on scientific evidence, and the commitment of artisanal fishermen will be important to guarantee the sustainability of this resource, which is facing a decisive year for its recovery.
Last year, the Peruvian jumbo flying squid fishery closed the season with a landing volume of only 188,345 tons, one of the lowest figures in the last decade, and almost 70% less than in 2023, which, in contrast, had marked a historic level of catch, reaching 621,852 tons.
This drastic drop in landings was mainly due to the influence of environmental factors on the dynamics of the resource. According to the Peruvian Institute of the Sea (Imarpe), the last ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation) event significantly altered the distribution of the jumbo flying squid, reducing its availability for fishing.
However, projections for 2025 point to a progressive recovery, and this transition to more favorable oceanographic conditions will allow for improved catch levels in the coming months. Imarpe's recent research cruises revealed that the population structure of the jumbo flying squid shows a predominance of medium-sized specimens, suggesting a possible recovery of the stock.
With responsible management and continuous monitoring, Produce said, 2025 could mark the beginning of a new era for this important fishery. However, as mentioned above, experts warn that its sustainability will depend on constant monitoring and flexible and adaptive fisheries management.
From Produce, the Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Jesús Barrientos, emphasized that the key to success will be the joint work between the authorities, the scientific community, and the artisanal fishermen, who recently received support from the Government with an update of its General Fisheries Law to strengthen and protect the sector.
"We are strengthening the monitoring of oceanographic and biological conditions of the jumbo flying squid. Our goal is to provide timely information so that fishermen can better plan their activities and sustainably take advantage of the periods of greater availability of the resource," he said.
It was also announced that strategies will be implemented to diversify fishing zones and reduce pressure on specific areas. In addition, the capacities of fishermen will be strengthened through training programs in good fishing practices and sustainability.
It should be recalled that Peru has just approved a new Fisheries Management Regulation for jumbo flying squid. Thus, after announcing it in February, in mid-March, this new law finally came into force, which seeks to improve traceability, optimize fisheries management, guarantee the sustainability of the species, encourage the participation of the national fleet in deep-sea fishing, and ensure compliance with international standards.
As explained by Vice Minister Barrientos, when this new regulation came into effect, its ultimate goal is to balance economic activity and ecosystem conservation. "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 then.
As WeAreAquaculture has previously reported, the jumbo flying squid fishery is key not only to the country's artisanal fleet but to the national fishing economy. With some 4,200 artisanal vessels and around 14,000 fishermen involved, it is currently the second most important fishery in Peru after anchovy, benefiting an estimated 70,000 people.
Now, forecasts indicate that the problems recorded in 2024 are behind and that by 2025, it will once again be a protagonist: "2025 will be a reactivating year for the jumbo flying squid fishery. We have detailed studies that allow us to establish precise strategies to guarantee the sustainability of the resource and the economic stability of our fishermen," the Peruvian Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture said, highlighting the importance of scientific information and sustainable management of the resource.
As Produce emphasized, the quota set is based on a precautionary approach, but there will be constant monitoring so that if new scientific information on the availability of the resource and environmental conditions provided by Imarpe so advise, the TAC will be adjusted.
Thus, Peru's Ministry of Production pointed out that, although the road to full recovery of the jumbo flying squid still presents uncertainties, the fishing sector faces 2025 with an optimistic and science-based approach.
"The combination of improved environmental conditions, efficient fisheries management and the commitment of the sector will ensure that artisanal fishing continues to be an important activity for the national economy," Produce concluded.
