Fishing industries face closures and shifts in Peru and Argentina

Peru's Ministry of Production has ordered the closure of the first 2026 anchoveta fishing season in the north-central coastal zone. The decision follows scientific evaluations from the Institute of the Sea of Peru, which indicated that 65% of the biomass consists of juveniles. Additionally, current spawning levels are below historical averages, and the species' somatic condition and fat content remain low due to unfavorable environmental conditions linked to El Niño.

In Argentina, the fishing sector in Mar del Plata is reporting significant economic concerns due to a decline in landings. Industry leaders, including Sebastián Agliano of the Association of Coastal and Fresh Fishing Vessels, noted a trend where fishing efforts and processing are shifting toward southern provinces and neighboring countries. This migration of activity threatens local employment and the regional productive scheme in Buenos Aires province.