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Photo: Stockfile/FIS
Peruvian Jumbo Squid Fishery Launches Major MSC Improvement Program
PERU
Thursday, December 04, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)
Commitment to Sustainable Fishing Aims for International Certification Within Five Years
The Peruvian jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) fishery has taken a decisive step towards sustainability by officially launching the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Improvement Programme. This critical initiative will operate under clear guidelines and face regular, independent verification, with the ambitious goal of meeting the MSC Fisheries Standard within five years of the program's launch.
The project is spearheaded by CAPECAL, an association comprising 21 companies dedicated to fortifying responsible fishing practices in Peru.
Photo: CAPECAL
Economic and Social Importance
Targeted by over 3,000 small-scale Peruvian fishing vessels, the jumbo squid fishery is Peru's most vital seafood fishery for human consumption and a crucial source of employment along coastal areas. Its economic impact is substantial, with exports reaching over $800 million in 2025 (according to the Ministry of Production of Peru). These frozen products primarily serve competitive international markets, including China, South Korea, Spain, and Japan.
Global demand for sustainably caught seafood is escalating, driving companies worldwide to accelerate their sustainability efforts. Jumbo squid accounts for roughly 60% of Peru's total frozen exports, making it central to the country's growing supply of high-value-added products.
Photo: CAPECAL
Focus on Science and Management
The jumbo squid is a fast-growing, highly reproductive species found across a vast ocean range, from Alaska to southern Chile. Given that its availability and catch potential are heavily influenced by the environment, continuous scientific monitoring and adaptive fisheries management are essential elements promoted by the MSC Improvement Programme.
 CAPECAL has already made significant headway addressing structural challenges, including formalizing the small fleet through registration, collaborating actively with the Peruvian Institute of Marine Science (IMARPE) to collect biological data, and coordinating with various stakeholders in fisheries management.
Gerardo Carrera, Chairman of CAPECAL, highlighted the collective effort: "This step is the result of a collaborative effort between fishers, businesses, governments, and experts who want to ensure a sustainable future for jumbo squid. By joining the MSC Improvement Program, we can join forces and make great strides towards meeting international standards that strengthen the entire value chain."
 Cristian Vallejo, Program Director for MSC Latin America, emphasized the significance for Peru: "The inclusion of jumbo squid in the MSC Improvement Program reflects the industry's commitment to moving towards more responsible fishing practices and demonstrates its willingness to work in a transparent, science-based, and long-term manner."
About the MSC Fisheries Standard
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organization founded in London in 1997, with offices in 25 countries, including the establishment of MSC Japan in 2007. It promotes sustainable, well-managed fisheries through certification and eco-labeling to conserve marine resources.
Photo: CAPECAL
The MSC Fisheries Standard is globally recognized and based on the latest scientific evidence. It is the only fisheries certification program that meets the requirements of both the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Social and Environmental Certification and Labeling Alliance (ISEAL). To achieve this standard, a fishery must demonstrate, via a third-party assessment, that:
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Fish stocks are at sustainable levels.
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The environmental impact of fishing is minimized.
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Management systems are in place to ensure long-term sustainability.
As of fiscal year 2024, approximately 22,000 products bearing the MSC "Marine Eco-Label" were sold across more than 70 countries worldwide, with 660 items available in Japan.
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