El Niño crisis threatens fisheries and marine wildlife in Ilo, Peru

The El Niño phenomenon has raised sea‑surface temperatures off Ilo in the Moquegua region from an average of 16.5 °C to about 19 °C, with forecasts of further warming. Engineer Omar Velásquez Chirinos, former director of the CITE Pesquero Ilo, warned that the heat is altering marine species behavior, causing anchoveta and other fish to migrate to cooler, deeper waters. This reduces catches for both artisanal and industrial fisheries, jeopardising the livelihoods of local fishing families and the regional economy.

Concurrently, municipal biologist Oliver Farfán Salazar reported the removal of 99 dead marine animals from Ilo’s coastline, including 30 sea lions, 44 pelicans, 16 boobies, seven guanay, and two Humboldt penguins. The dead fauna were collected and buried following health‑authority protocols to prevent sanitary risks. Authorities continue to monitor the beaches and advise residents not to handle the carcasses.

Both developments underscore the ecological and public‑health challenges facing Ilo as El Niño intensifies.