Fleet engaged in anchovy capture. (Photo: C. Vargas)
Scientists recommend keeping ban on anchovy
PERU
Tuesday, October 07, 2014, 02:40 (GMT + 9)
A report by Instituto del Mar del Peru (IMARPE) on the situation of northern and central anchovy stock recommends that the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) should keep the ban on this resource catch.
In the report, the scientists explain that there are abnormal environmental conditions such as large bodies of warm water (Kelvin waves) and warm ocean waters, which are not so favourable for the pelagic resource, whose habitat is the cold water.
Besides, they note that these climatic and environmental factors have directly impacted on the distribution of oxygen, the nutrients in the sea and in the thermocline depth.
They also explain that the high frequency of Kelvin waves causes a cumulative effect on the oceanographic properties of the sea, significantly affecting the phytoplankton biomass and reducing the coastal habitat length and fertility.
As a result of these circumstances, there has been a significant decline in the anchovy biomass, below the stock recorded in recent years.
Therefore, IMARPE recommends keeping the ban until environmental conditions become normal and the stock recovers.
Meanwhile, scientists at the Institute will intensify the monitoring of environmental conditions and during the last week of October will start a new Hydroacoustic Assessment Survey of Pelagic Resources in that area, aboard the scientific research vessel Olaya.
The results of this survey will be sent to PRODUCE.
Related article:
- Anchovy catch suspended in three areas
By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media
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