A total of 300 vessels are operating in the designated areas during the second 2024 anchovy fishing season.
Photo: Produce.
Peru's Ministry of Production (Produce) reported that between November 1st and December 16th, that is, in only a month and a half since the second 2024 fishing season began, the accumulated anchovy landings in the north-central zone of the country reached 1,645,482 tons. This is 65.56% of the 2.51 million tons quota allocated for that period.
The figure, Produce remarked, underlines the continuous effort of the Peruvian industrial fleet in the capture and processing of this strategic resource for the country, consolidating the sector as a key driver for national economic development.
"This level of productivity not only reaffirms the importance of the sector but also guarantees the supply of raw material for the fishmeal and fish oil industry," the Peruvian Ministry of Production said in a release.
The Ministry also highlighted its role as a strategic ally of the fishing sector to promote sustainable development that benefits both the economy and the environment. According to Produce, these figures also reflect "the Ministry of Production's commitment to the conservation and responsible management of Peru's hydrobiological resources."
Through constant monitoring and the implementation of strict regulations, Peruvian fishery authorities seek to balance productivity with sustainability, ensuring the preservation of the marine ecosystem for future generations.
This season, a total of 300 vessels are operating in the designated areas, distributed in the regions of Piura, La Libertad, Ancash, Lima, and Ica. These operations are concentrated in strategic ports such as Chimbote, Malabrigo, Coishco, Callao, Tambo de Mora, Supe, and Chancay, which are key points for the country's fishing activity.
In terms of processing plants, TASA led with 22% of receptions, followed by COPEINCA (19%), Exalmar (17%), Diamante (11%), and Hayduk (9%). The next few weeks will be decisive in reaching the total allocated quota, consolidating Peru as the world leader in anchovy production.
Anchovy is one of the most important pillars of the Peruvian economy, not only for its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but also for its positive impact on local communities and the generation of direct and indirect employment.
At the end of October, Produce's announcement on the new opening of the fishery specifically put the amount at a total of USD 1,349 million (EUR 1,250 million) in foreign exchange and explained that this figure will have an impact on 0.8% of the GDP in 2024, and 8% of national exports. Moreover, it will ensure the employment of more than 49 thousand workers associated with the anchovy production chain.
Likewise, Peruvian anchovy is also fundamental to global food security, as it is one of the main sources for the production of fishmeal and fish oil used in animal and human nutrition. Historically, Peru has accounted for an average of 20% of world fishmeal and fish oil production.
In July, when Peru closed the first anchovy season with more than 98% of the quota caught, the country also saw a notable rise in fishmeal and fish oil production. According to statistics from the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO), during the first half of 2024, cumulative fishmeal production increased by nearly 36% compared to the same period in 2023. Fish oil production for its part, experienced a global increase of about 10% year-on-year. In both cases, it was due only to the South American country's production and its strong first anchovy season.
