Photo: Stockfile/FIS

A New Direction for Squid

The squid (dosidicus gigas) fishery is an essential pillar of Peruvian artisanal fishing. Its relevance transcends the figures that position Peru as a global leader in cephalopod landings: it represents the livelihood of thousands of families, the driving force behind hundreds of companies of various sizes, and a bastion of our food supply.

In this context, the Ministry of Production has updated the Fisheries Management Regulation (ROP), the regulatory framework that governs this crucial activity. The new ROP incorporates essential guiding principles. It emphasizes the ratification of the jigging line as the only authorized fishing gear, due to its high selectivity and minimal environmental impact. It also reaffirms the classification of squid as a fully exploited resource, according to the Peruvian Marine Research Institute (IMARPE), which demands a precautionary approach and responsible management.

Another crucial point is the recognition of the artisanal sector's leading role in recent decades, guaranteeing their tenure rights and providing them with legal stability. Among the regulation's most relevant innovations are the creation of continuous evaluation mechanisms and the inclusion of key stakeholders in governance. These dialogue spaces will allow for periodic review and improvement of the regulation. The active participation of those involved fosters more legitimate, transparent, and collaborative governance.

These advancements also bring the Peruvian fishery closer to the coveted Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, the world's most prestigious recognition of sustainable fishing.

The ROP also reaffirms the mandatory satellite monitoring system on artisanal vessels, a crucial measure to safeguard both the vessels and the lives of their crew. Furthermore, this system is indispensable for the Peruvian fleet to operate in international waters, through its registration with the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO). However, the current landscape reflects a significant challenge: of more than 4,600 vessels, only 200 are registered.

To expedite this process, the ROP proposes the creation of SIVIROP, a digital platform designed to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate registrations. It is imperative that its implementation is not delayed, as consolidating a fleet authorized to operate beyond jurisdictional waters is an unavoidable commitment for the country.

Another notable measure is the implementation of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Traceability System (SITRAPESCA), with the intention of modernizing information collection. However, its design requires a deeper analysis to ensure, for example, an individualized record of catches per vessel. This precision is essential for making rational decisions about fishing effort management, thus ensuring equity and economic stability for the families that depend on this activity.

Finally, the sustainability of any fishery depends on the availability of updated information on the status of the resource. The ROP establishes that the squid stock assessment must be defined before the start of the year. To meet this objective, it is vital that IMARPE resumes the regularity of research cruises before each fishing season, allowing for an accurate estimation of the global quota.

The update of the squid ROP is a firm declaration of the will to move towards a sustainable and orderly fishery. Now, it is up to all of us – demonstrating our ability to work as a team – to turn this will into a tangible reality.

This column, always constructive in its criticism when appropriate, welcomes the government's work and participatory vocation in the formulation of this fundamental regulation.

Author/Source: Alfonso Miranda Eyzaguirre/Expreso

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