Peru cancels second anchovy fishing season due to biomass decline

Peru’s Ministry of Production has declined to authorize a second anchovy fishing season in the north-central coastal zone. The decision follows scientific assessments from the Instituto del Mar del Perú (Imarpe), which identified critical biological and oceanographic conditions that necessitate prioritizing resource sustainability.

Scientific data indicates a significant decline in biomass, estimated at approximately 5.12 million tonnes. This figure represents a 27.9% decrease from the summer of 2026 and is 22.8% below the 1996–2025 winter-spring average. A primary concern is the high proportion of juvenile fish, which account for 79% of the population by number and 65% by weight. Additionally, reproductive activity has fallen below historical patterns, though some spawning continues.

Oceanographic shifts, including anomalous warm water conditions, have also influenced the stock, causing the anchovy to concentrate closer to the coast, move southward, and dive to deeper waters.

The absence of a second season follows a first season that failed to meet its initial quota. In response to the closure, the Sociedad Nacional de Pesquería (SNP) has requested government support, including tax measures, health coverage for crews, and financial assistance to mitigate the economic impact on the fishing sector.