Anchovy capture. New surveys will contribute to confirming the state of this Peruvian coast resource. (Photo: Produce)

‘Contingency plan’ devised in case of anchovy shortage

PERU
Thursday, November 06, 2014, 03:20 (GMT + 9)

The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) is working on a comprehensive contingency plan in case experts of the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMARPE) confirm the negative impact of El Niño phenomenon and the Kelvin waves on the anchovy fishery in the Peruvian coast.

According to the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Juan Carlos Requejo, the first measurements indicate negative results because of the weather conditions generated a migration of the anchovy towards areas outside their usual location.

However, taking into account the changing conditions, fisheries officials estimate it is cautious to wait until having the new measurements before taking the adequate action.

"The final decision on the new season and the corresponding catch quota will be announced in early December, after having the results of the new measurements conducted by IMARPE with private sector involvement," clarified the deputy minister.

In the north central region IMARPE will shortly start a second research cruise, which ends in early December. Moreover, in this area as in the south, the ‘Eureka Operation’ will be developed between 19 and 20 November, with the participation of private sector vessels.

Furthermore, PRODUCE ordered convening smaller scale vessels to measure the conditions of anchovy from mile 3, which will materialize on Wednesday.

"We have several measurements and the results are expected to be known around the end of November and early December, after IMARPE submits its final recommendations to PRODUCE. Therefore, it is important to wait for these results before making decisions about the new season," explained Requejo.

After receiving IMARPE’s latest report in early on the situation of north-central Peruvian anchovy stock, the Ministry began work on a contingency plan to implement if scientists confirm the results of the first measurements. Some of the initial steps that have been proposed are:

• Promote the industrial exploitation of other species such as vinciguerria, which has appeared in the Peruvian sea in large quantities. To this end, we will work closely with the private sector;
• Strengthen fisheries of other resources such as giant squid, mahi mahi and tuna, bonito, horse mackerel and mackerel;
• Tighten control of smaller scale capture activity, which currently already has satellite control systems;
• Ensure that fishers have insurance for risks arising from abnormal events such as El Niño phenomenon, in coordination with other state agencies;
• Strengthen the legal framework in the south to enable sustainable and more efficient resource use, based on the recommendations made by IMARPE scientists;
• Launch eight regulatory projects related to fisheries management and the promotion of direct human consumption (DHC) of anchovy in order to strengthen the regulation of the sector.

"We are careful and proactive in dealing with this situation," stated deputy minister Requejo.

Related articles:

- Anchovy monitoring begins off Chimbote coast
- El Niño could affect the sector more than expected

By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

 PRODUCE - Ministerio de la Producción

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