The Ministry of Production authorized on Apr. 1 the start of the First Fishing Season for anchoveta (Engraulis ringens) and white anchoveta (Anchoa nasus) in the North-Central coastal region of Peru, according to Ministerial Resolution No. 000085-2026-PRODUCE.
The measure sets a Maximum Total Allowable Catch (MTAC) limit at 1,914,049 tons, following recommendations from the Peruvian Sea Institute (IMARPE) to ensure sustainability of the resource.
Officials say that this quota aims to balance responsible exploitation with conservation by considering population structure, fish behavior under current marine conditions, and ongoing monitoring during fishing operations. The scientific basis for opening this season comes from specialized evaluations including the Hydroacoustic Survey Cruise for Anchoveta and Other Pelagic Resources conducted between Feb. 16 and Mar. 23, which assessed biomass availability and distribution along with oceanographic conditions.
According to authorities, these studies provide technical support for evidence-based fisheries management measures intended to maintain both resource sustainability and continuity in what is described as Peru’s main fishery.
The economic impact projected from this first season includes an estimated added value of S/769 million—representing about 19.5% of the sector’s gross domestic product—and an approximate contribution of 0.13% to Peru’s national economy during 2026. Employment generated by the season is expected to exceed 47,000 direct and indirect jobs across the production chain while foreign trade could see around USD $855 million in revenue—about 18.3% of total estimated fisheries exports for the year.
More than 670 licensed vessels will participate in extraction activities at various ports along Peru’s coast, supporting regional economies and employment opportunities in coastal areas.
To protect sustainability, PRODUCE will maintain continuous monitoring over catches; regulations prohibit harvesting undersized specimens beyond a maximum tolerance per haul while only vessels using approved net sizes outside artisanal zones are permitted to operate. The ministry reserves authority to suspend or close fishing areas if high numbers of juvenile fish are detected.
Officials state that these actions reaffirm government commitment toward rational use and sustainable management of hydrobiological resources while ensuring continued benefits for thousands of families involved in this strategic industry.
