Peru's coastal regions ramp up defenses and face fishing losses as El Niño looms

The Piura region has mapped urgent works to protect artisanal fishing ports from El Niño, including containment walls at Los Órganos, roof reinforcement at Lobitos and Máncora, and protective structures at Sechura and Yacila. These measures aim to safeguard fishing and aquaculture operations against heavy rains, abnormal waves and landslides.

In the province of Pisco, rising sea temperatures have reduced catches of species such as bonito, jurel, and pejerrey, pushing prices up sharply; a kilo of bonito now sells for up to 20 soles and market stalls report lower sales and fewer buyers.

A audit by the Comptroller General revealed that seven municipalities in La Libertad failed to allocate any funds from the emergency‑risk budget for El Niño preparedness, while many others have executed less than 50 % of the allotted money.

Lima’s municipality is conducting river‑cleaning, dredging of the Rímac and Lurín, building protective dikes and distributing 1,500 humanitarian kits to vulnerable districts, coordinating actions with surrounding communes.

More than 300 properties across the country have been identified as being at risk if the anticipated El Niño event materialises.