• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
The Ministry of Production (Produce) has set the bonito (Sarda chiliensis chiliensis) catch limit at 118,200 tons for 2026, an increase from the initially established 93,200 tons. This decision considers the oceanographic conditions associated with the El Niño phenomenon and the technical-scientific recommendations from the Peruvian Sea Institute (IMARPE).
According to IMARPE, the conditions generated by El Niño—such as the weakening of coastal winds, the decrease in cold water upwelling, and the influx of warm water masses—favor a greater availability of bonito. IMARPE recommended maintaining a precautionary approach and permanent monitoring of the fishery.
"This decision is based on scientific evidence and responds to current sea conditions. We are creating opportunities for our fishermen, but under clear rules that allow for the utilization of the resource without compromising its sustainability," stated the Minister of Production, Juan Carlos Requejo.
As part of the activity's regulation, Produce is establishing a staggered start: purse-seine vessels smaller than 20 m³ can begin operations from August 17; purse-seine vessels larger than 20 m³ and up to 32.6 m³, from August 27; and vessels using gillnets and other passive gear, from September 6, 2026.
Furthermore, the regulation stipulates that purse-seine vessels may catch a maximum of 60% of their hold capacity per fishing trip, with differentiated tolerances based on their capacity. For vessels larger than 20 m³ and up to 32.6 m³, the tolerance is up to 2 tons; for those from 10 m³ to 20 m³, up to 1 ton; and for those smaller than 10 m³, up to 0.7 tons.
Of the volume available from the effective date of the resolution until December 31—23,363 tons—11,770 tons are distributed to purse-seine vessels larger than 20 m³ and up to 32.6 m³; 6,465 tons for those from 10 m³ to 20 m³; 2,700 tons for those smaller than 10 m³; and 2,428 tons for vessels using gillnets and other passive gear.
"Reacting fishing does not mean uncontrolled extraction. It means organizing the activity, protecting the stock, and ensuring that bonito can continue to renew itself. Therefore, this measure combines catch limits, an operational schedule, and controls per fishing trip, as part of a responsible reactivation policy in the face of El Niño's effects," Requejo affirmed.
The measure is part of the actions developed by Produce within the framework of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Reactivation Plan, aimed at addressing the effects of El Niño and recovering productive activity without endangering hydrobiological resources. In this sense, the protection of spawning stock and juvenile specimens, along with scientific monitoring and adaptive management, constitutes a central component to guarantee the sustainability of bonito and fishing activity.
