The Ministry of Production announced on May 2 that it has secured funding for a new study aimed at strengthening sustainable scallop farming in Sechura Bay, Piura. The project, managed by the General Directorate of Aquaculture and carried out by the Institute of the Sea of Peru, will focus on estimating the productive carrying capacity for Argopecten purpuratus cultivation.
This initiative is significant because Sechura Bay accounts for nearly 69 percent of Peru’s national scallop production. Updated scientific information from this study is expected to support better management tools for both authorities and producers, ensuring responsible sector growth.
The research will be financed by the Social Fund of the Integral Bayóvar Project with an investment of S/804,608 over a period of 14 months. It aims to determine optimal production levels that maintain ecosystem health and avoid future productivity loss. The team will analyze physical, chemical, and biological oceanographic parameters as well as water and sediment quality. Technical models based on oxygen consumption and phytoplankton availability will also be applied.
Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Jesús Barrientos said: “Este estudio nos permitirá conocer con mayor precisión la capacidad productiva real de la bahía y garantizar que el crecimiento de la concha de abanico se desarrolle de manera ordenada, responsable y sostenible. Estamos atendiendo una demanda histórica de los acuicultores, protegiendo el ecosistema y fortaleciendo la competitividad del sector.” Barrientos also said that data generated by IMARPE would help prevent negative impacts on production and reduce economic risks for producers while consolidating modern aquaculture practices.
The Ministry promotes social inclusion and improved living conditions for fishermen and producers across Peru through harmonious development initiatives according to its official website. It utilizes multiple facilities in San Isidro, Lima—including its central headquarters—to serve producers, entrepreneurs, and communities throughout Peru according to the ministry. As the governing body responsible for crafting national policies in fishing, aquaculture, micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises as well as industry sectors according to its official website, it issues regulations designed to foster sustainable development according to official sources under ministerial guidance as reported by the ministry.
According to PRODUCE’s statement in this announcement, this project marks new opportunities for collaboration between FOSPIBAY and various offices within the sector to drive future productive development initiatives.
