# Peru anchovy fishery management and biomass decline

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/peru-anchovy-fishery-management-and-biomass-decline
> Updated: 2026-10-24T05:14:14.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

The Peruvian Ministry of Production has implemented restrictive measures for the anchovy fishing industry following significant biological and oceanographic shifts. Due to a decline in biomass—estimated at 5.12 million tonnes, representing a 27.9% decrease from the summer of 2026—authorities declined to authorize a second anchovy fishing season in the north-central coastal zone. Scientific assessments from the Instituto del Mar del Perú (Imarpe) highlighted a high proportion of juvenile fish and reduced reproductive activity as primary concerns.

In response to changing conditions, including anomalous warm water temperatures linked to a projected 2026-2027 El Niño phenomenon, the government has also updated regulations for the exploratory fishing of white anchovy (Samasa). New mandates require electronic logbooks and satellite tracking to ensure sustainability. These regulations aim to protect the black anchovy population by limiting incidental catches and prioritizing Samasa extraction in areas where black anchovy presence is lower.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Peru modifies regulations for Samasa anchovy exploratory fishing

Peru has updated rules for Samasa anchovy exploratory fishing, implementing strict incidental catch limits for black anchovy to manage resources amid warming sea temperatures and El Niño projections.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-modifies-regulations-for-samasa-anchovy-exploratory-fishing

### 2026-10-16: Peru cancels second anchovy fishing season due to biomass decline

Peru will not authorize a second anchovy fishing season in its north-central zone due to declining biomass and a high population of juvenile fish, according to scientific assessments.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-cancels-second-anchovy-fishing-season-in-north-central-zone

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Cite as: Peru anchovy fishery management and biomass decline. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/peru-anchovy-fishery-management-and-biomass-decline