Peru sets octopus catch quota for 2024

The Ministry of Production in Peru (PRODUCE) has set the maximum allowable catch quota for octopus at 740 tons for the year 2024 in the Lobos de Afuera and Lobos de Tierra Islands in the regions of Piura and Lambayeque.

This quota may be modified based on the evolution of biological, fishing, environmental factors, or resource availability, following a report from the Peruvian Marine Research Institute (IMARPE).

PRODUCE has also indicated that only artisanal fishing vessels equipped with air compressors and holding a valid fishing permit, as well as non-embarked artisanal fishers with a valid fishing permit, will be allowed to carry out extraction activities.

Furthermore, the minimum capture weight of 1.0 kilogram per specimen must be respected for each extraction.

Lastly, the activity will be interrupted when this maximum is reached or if IMARPE recommends it due to environmental or biological circumstances. Ultimately, the activity will conclude on December 31, 2024.

The government regional authority with fishing competence, in coordination with the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP), is responsible for publishing the list of artisanal fishing vessels, non-embarked artisanal fishers, and divers holding a valid fishing permit and an artisanal diver card issued by the General Directorate of Captaincies and Coast Guard (DICAPI).

Just a few days ago, PRODUCE published the jumbo flying squid or pota (Dosidicus gigas) catch quota for the year 2024 at 499,683 tons, after IMARPE recommendation.