Peru orders early closure of first anchovy season to protect spawning fish

Peru’s Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) has ordered the conclusion of the first 2025 anchovy fishing season in the country’s main North-Central region, which became effective at midnight on July 24.

The decision is based on a technical report from the Peruvian Marine Institute (IMARPE), which recommended closing the season to protect spawning and juvenile anchovy stocks. The institute noted an increase in the gonadal maturation of the spawning stock and that the catch limit for juvenile specimens was close to being reached.

The season began on April 22 with a maximum total allowable catch limit of three million tonnes. As of the announcement, 2,457,487 tonnes had been caught, representing a preliminary catch of 81.92 per cent. A final figure is expected to be announced in the coming days, the ministry added.

“The decision adopted by the ministry is supported by science and ongoing monitoring of our main fishery. This is a timely measure aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the anchovy,” stated Jesús Barrientos, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The order gave vessels up to 24 hours after the closing time to complete unloading.