Peru’s first anchovy fishing season of 2025 in the North-Central region has reached 74.1% of its 3 million metric ton (MT) Total Allowable Catch (TAC), with around 2.223 million MT landed so far, according to Peruvian Ministry of Production. While early signs were promising, recent developments have raised concerns about completing the quota.

Fishing activity stopped for four days—from June 27 to June 30—due to rough seas, the celebration of St. Peter (the patron saint of fishermen), and a lack of fish in key areas. Only about 500 MT were caught during this period, and the last significant catches were reported on June 26.

Over the past month, fishing yields have sharply declined. Vessels have been forced to operate in less productive zones. To address the situation, the fleet launched a new large-scale exploratory effort, sending boats even to areas that previously showed poor or no biomass. However, the total catches were still disappointing: about 14,000 MT anchovy (July 1st).

However, oceanographic conditions remain challenging. Stormy weather persists, and high-salinity oceanic waters—which can cause anchovies to disperse or dive deeper—are still dominating large areas between Chicama and Callao.

Despite these obstacles, authorities remain cautiously optimistic. The current TAC is the second-highest in a decade, based on a 10.9 million MT anchovy biomass assessment by IMARPE. Yet, with July typically marking the end of the winter fishing season, time is running short to meet the quota.

Source: seafoodsource 02/07/2025