The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) announced on March 14 the establishment of a new catch limit for bonito (Sarda chiliensis chiliensis), setting it at 68,367 tons for the period from January to June 2026.
This measure aims to support the economic development of the fishing sector and ensure food security for Peruvian families. The new quota is intended to optimize both social and economic use of this marine resource, with a focus on improving incomes and well-being among artisanal fishing communities.
According to PRODUCE, the allocation is divided among different segments of the artisanal fleet: 29,170 tons are designated for vessels using purse seine nets with storage capacity greater than 20 cubic meters up to 32.6 cubic meters; 13,607 tons for vessels with capacity between 10 and 20 cubic meters; 17,831 tons for those under 10 cubic meters; and 7,759 tons for boats operating with curtain nets or other passive gear.
“The stock of bonito remains healthy thanks to shared responsibility between the State and fishers,” said Minister of Production César Quispe Luján. He also said that ongoing monitoring by IMARPE confirms that biomass levels are optimal, allowing opportunities for responsible and sustainable fishing.
The regulation includes conservation measures such as suspending fishing activities in areas where incidental capture of juvenile fish is detected. This suspension can last up to five consecutive days or become permanent if juvenile catches persist. Only artisanal vessels with valid permits may participate, landings must occur at authorized points, preservation systems must use ice at a minimum ratio of two-to-one, all departures and catches must be reported, and traceability must be ensured through registered refrigerated vehicles.
Additional controls include maximum catch limits per trip based on vessel size and gear type. For larger purse seine vessels (over 20 up to 32.6 cubic meters), further effort control measures apply. PRODUCE will also implement continuous monitoring by publishing updates every three days on quota progress and fishing activities by participating vessels.
These steps are designed to guarantee transparency in the process and compliance with management measures established for bonito fisheries.
