Swordfish. (Photo: Stock File)

El Niño increases availability of some marine species

PERU
Thursday, August 27, 2015, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Not all the effects of El Niño phenomenon are negative for Peruvian fishing activity, which is revealed by the fact that a greater presence of some oceanic species is being noted off the country’s coasts.

In the case of bonito, for example, it is expected to continue being available alongside the coast throughout the rest of the year.

The abundance of swordfish, tuna, mahi mahi and squid has also increased, states the general director of Pelagic Resource Research of Instituto del Mar del Peru (IMARPE), Marilu Bouchon.

A survey performed by IMARPE last June revealed that the hake, which is a sea bottom species, has expanded its distribution. And there is also a greater presence of equatorial water species, such as longnose anchovy and slender thread herring, stated the scientist to Andina.

With regard to the anchovy, which is a more susceptible pelagic resource to environmental variations, she clarified that the monitoring activities that had been carried out indicate that the changes in the reproductive process are due to the fact that the species has been migrating in search of colder waters and better feed.

"The energy that the anchovy – of which Peru is the first producer -- should be using on breeding, is being employed by the resource on staying alive, and it is not the first time this happens, it is a strategy that it applies to be able to survive given these weather events," explained Bouchon in statements to the news agency.

IMARPE will continue performing scheduled assessment surveys to gather information on the resource status in order to have better knowledge and provide recommendations to the Government.

"At this time we are performing an assessment survey and the results will be ready in approximately 40-50 days. This is a survey all along the coast, that is to say, from the coast to about 60 or 100 miles, where we’ll find the resource," outlined the scientist.

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