The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) announced on April 24 a temporary suspension of anchoveta and white anchoveta fishing activities in large areas along the north-central coast of Peru. The measure will last ten calendar days, from midnight on April 24 until 11:59 p.m. on May 3, as part of efforts to preserve biomass and ensure sustainability for the first fishing season of 2026.
This action was enacted through Directoral Resolution No. 00047-2026-PRODUCE/DGSFS-PA following technical recommendations from the Peruvian Sea Institute (IMARPE), according to PRODUCE. The ministry said it can suspend extractive activities fully or partially based on IMARPE’s advice to guarantee spawning, prevent capture of undersized specimens, and protect both biomass development and resource sustainability.
As reported by PRODUCE, cumulative landings during the first season up to April 22 reached 381,181 tons in the north-central region—representing nearly one-fifth of the Maximum Total Allowable Catch set for this period. Observed fish sizes ranged between seven and sixteen centimeters, with most at twelve centimeters. In response, PRODUCE reinforced conservation measures by expanding temporary closures across strategic coastal segments.
Minister César Quispe Luján said: “We are acting responsibly to ensure that anchoveta fishing remains under sustainability criteria within an adaptive management framework. Protecting today’s resources means guaranteeing successful future seasons, preserving thousands of jobs and safeguarding the well-being of families who depend directly or indirectly on this activity.” He also said these steps are designed to maintain marine ecosystem balance and promote responsible fishing: “The sustainability of the resource not only protects biomass but also ensures continuity for the fishing industry, fishermen’s work and economic security throughout our national production chain.”
According to its official website, the Ministry serves producers, entrepreneurs and communities nationwide while promoting social inclusion initiatives that improve living conditions for fishermen across Peru. The ministry is responsible for crafting national policies related to fisheries, aquaculture and industry with a focus on sustainable development according to its official website. It operates several facilities in San Isidro, Lima—including central headquarters—and issues regulations aimed at strengthening sustainable growth within these sectors according to its official website.
During this suspension period, authorized vessels under Ministerial Resolution No. 000085-2026-PRODUCE may not conduct extractive activities nor record fishing speeds within restricted areas; violations may result in sanctions as outlined by current fisheries regulations.
Broader implications arise from such regulatory actions as they form part of PRODUCE’s system for managing marine resources rationally—protecting ecological balance while ensuring economic stability in one of Peru’s key productive industries according to its official website. The ministry has earned international recognition from organizations such as OECD for its sustainable fisheries efforts according to its official website.
