Fishery Improvement Project

Last update: March 2023

Species: Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis ringens) [Northern-Central stock]

FIP Stage according to CASS progress table: 4, FIP is delivering improvements in policies or practices

FIP Rating according to SFP rating system: A (Exceptional Progress, January 2020)

FIP Rating according to MSC benchmarking Tool: Initial – preliminary (0.50, Feb 2017)*; Initial – updated (0.77, Aug 2017)**; First (0.79, Feb 2018), 2019 (0.80, Feb 2019), Actual (0.80, Feb 2020).

[* CeDePesca updated and translated the original scores of this FIP (set against the MSC standard v1.3) to the MSC standard v2.0.  The rationale for the setting of scores for the updated performance indicators is shown here.  The scores are preliminary.]

[** CeDePesca completed its update of the MSC gap analysis against the MSC standard v2.0 in August 2017.  Comments from the Working Group were received until November 2017.]

FIP profile at FisheryProgress.org: Peruvian anchovy – industrial – purse seine (March 2020)

[Manual del Programa Salvamares 2022]

Fishery Location:  FAO Area 87.  Peruvian waters between parallels 03°30’S and 16°00’S.

FIP Coordination:

If you would like more information about the FIP or if you wish to support it, please contact Carmen Guerrero from CeDePesca, or Jorge Risi from the SNP.

FIP Participants:

• Sociedad Nacional de Pesquería (Peruvian fishing industry association)
• CeDePesca (technical support)

Sustainability information

FishSource – Anchoveta – Peruvian northern-central stock

Other references:

Fishbase – Engraulis ringens

Date Publicly Announced:  January 2017

Current Improvement Recommendations:

• It is necessary to demonstrate that the fishery complies with the requirement of attending the needs of the ecosystem.
• It is required that harvest control rules in a low biomass scenario are more explicit, as well as the management objectives related to the ecosystem.
• It is necessary to address unreported fishing and illegal vessels, which represent a potential danger for the sustainability of the fishery.
• It is necessary to achieve a better understanding of the direct impacts of the Unit of Assessment on ETP species and habitats.

Background:

The northern Humboldt Current system (NHCS) is an important area of one of the most productive world marine ecosystems, the Humboldt Current Large Marine Ecosystem (HCLME).  The Humboldt Current extends along the coast of Chile and Peru; the NHCS corresponds to Peru.  Between the coastal pelagic species of the NHCS, the Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis ringens) is predominant and creates one of the most important single species fisheries worldwide (FAO 2016).

In 1955, the first management measures of the Peruvian anchovy stock were set, when establishing a minimum size of 12 cm and a minimum mesh length.  In the 1970s, new measures were drafted related to catch control by means of establishing annual global fishing quotas.

The fishing fleets targeting the Northern-Central stock of anchovy are divided in three, according to their fishing capacity:  There is an artisanal fishing fleet of vessels of less than 10 m³ GRT; a small-scale fishing fleet of vessels of more than 10 m³ GRT and less than 32.6 m³ GRT; and an industrial fishing fleet of vessels larger than 32.6 m³.  Landings from the artisanal and small-scale fleets should be used for direct human consumption, and only industrial landings are to be used to produce fishmeal.

Currently, the most important fishery management measures are:

• Total allowable catches
• Maximum Allowable Catch per Vessel (industrial fleet)
• Minimum catch size of 12 cm
• Minimum mesh size 13 mm – ½”
• Regulation of the fishing capacity or effort of fishing vessels
• Time and space closures for the protection of juveniles and the reproductive process
• Exclusion zone for industrial fishing up to 5 marine miles from the coast
• Establishing a maximum percentage of bycatch of other species, maximum 5% of the catch.
• Establishing a Surveillance and Control Program of Marine Fishing and Landing, as well as Satellite Follow Up.

Regarding research, the Peruvian fishery research institute (Instituto del Mar del Perú, IMARPE) dedicates significant financial and human resources to the follow up and research of this fishery. It benefits from a large data flow, both regarding the Peruvian anchovy stock as well as the group of variables and impacts related with it.  Also, during the last fifty years, industrial vessels have participated from activities related to fishing data collection.

Since 2008, the National Fisheries Society (Sociedad Nacional de Pesquería, SNP) and CeDePesca have been cooperating informally. On September 25^th, 2015, a Framework Collaboration Agreement was signed between both entities with the aim of furthering joint efforts to implement research, capacity-building and dissemination activities as related to the coastal and marine environment with emphasis on ensuring the sustainability of Peruvian fisheries.

Within the scope of the Framework Agreement, the SNP and CeDePesca started discussing the implementation of a Fishery Improvement Project for the anchovy fishery (Northern-central stock) to be implemented in accordance to the guidelines set by the Conservation Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (CASS).  After agreements were reached regarding specific objectives and an Action Plan, Specific Agreement N°2 was formalized between both parties on January 4^th, 2017.

This FIP is focused on the industrial portion of the fishery, and it is to be conducted in tandem with the Peruvian anchovy Northern-Central stock DHC FIP that focuses on the artisanal and small-scale portion of the fishery.

Key problems/issues:

The main issues regarding sustainability of the fishery are:

1. It is necessary to demonstrate that the fishery complies with the requirement of attending the needs of the ecosystem.
2. It is required that harvest control rules in a low biomass scenario are more explicit, as well as the management objectives related to the ecosystem.
3. It is necessary to address unreported fishing and illegal vessels, which represent a potential danger for the sustainability of the fishery.
4. It is necessary to achieve a better understanding of the direct impacts of the Unit of Assessment on ETP species and habitats.

FIP Objectives:

The general objective of this FIP is to attain a certifiable status.  This FIP’s specific objectives are:

• To demonstrate that the management system considers the ecosystem needs.
• To promote improvements in the management system that would allow for explicit catch control rules in the case of low biomass occurring.
• To organize the available data gathered by the industrial fishing vessels and encourage further technological innovation and development in order to allow for the assessment and monitoring of the ecosystem.
• To promote management improvements and actions to maximize the respect of management rules by the artisanal and small-scale fleet and to improve traceability, while contemplating any selectivity and technological innovation limitations.
• Determining the direct impacts of the fleet on ETP species and other ecosystem components and, if necessary, mitigate them.

Progress Update

2016

September 2016

On September 5^th, the National Fisheries Society (Sociedad Nacional de Pesquería, SNP) participated from a workshop where the results of a partial update of an MSC Pre-Assessment originally performed by Bureau Veritas in 2012 were presented by CeDePesca, as part of the Peruvian anchovy Northern-Central stock’s Direct Human Consumption FIP (see that FIP’s public report here).  During this meeting, all new scores were explained and feedback was received from the participants, including the SNP.  While the aforementioned update is not fully applicable to the IHC fishery, the fishing stock is the same, and so the information related is valid and served to kickoff a fruitful discussion on improvement opportunities for the IHC fishery.

October – December 2016

During this quarter, the SNP and CeDePesca discussed the possibility of implementing a fishery improvement project for the Peruvian anchovy Northern-Central stock’s Indirect Human Consumption (IHC) fishery.  While drafting an Action Plan, synergies with the Peruvian anchovy Northern-Central stock DHC FIP -also coordinated by CeDePesca- were sought and an agreement with that FIP’s partners was reached regarding overlapping activities and common goals.

On November 14^th, PRODUCE issued Supreme Decree N° 024-2016-PRODUCE, establishing measures to further strengthen surveillance and control of extraction activities.  The measure aims at minimizing juvenile discards, given that reporting the percentage of juveniles for each haul -and not only by fishing trip- will allow for improvement of the already established practice of closing fishing areas where the percentage of juveniles in the catch surpasses the 10% threshold.

2017

January – March 2017

On January 4^th, the SNP and CeDePesca signed Specific Agreement N°2, formally setting up the Peruvian anchovy Northern-Central stock IHC FIP.  The agreement sets specific objectives and includes the adoption of the FIP Action Plan and the associated budget.

On January 9^th, CeDePesca met with stakeholders including SNP representatives, and a scientific team conformed by researchers from the Fisheries Chapter of the Peruvian Engineers’ College and from fishing companies who are members of the SNP.  During this meeting, CeDePesca clarified issues regarding the MSC standard requirements.

On January 10^th, another meeting was held with the full Board of Directors of the SNP to discuss the implementation of the Action Plan.  Also, a joint meeting with a representative from the Compañía Americana de Conservas -FIP partner in the Peruvian Anchovy Northern-Central stock DHC FIP- took place to further discuss common actions.

On January 11^th, the SNP and CeDePesca had a meeting with authorities and staff from IMARPE (the Peruvian fishery research institute) and PRODUCE (Ministry of Production) to explain the FIP objectives and to talk about improvement suggestions.  The Vice-Minister of Fisheries committed himself to support the improvements process that would get a certifiable status for this fishery, and offered to create a workgroup that would provide liaison between FIP partners, IMARPE and PRODUCE.

In March, FIP partners selected a renowned specialist on the MSC standard, Mr. Ian Scott, to assess compliance with the MSC Performance Indicator 1.1.1 (Stock status – Low-Trophic-Level species).  A database with relevant information is being put together by CeDePesca to support the completion of this activity.

Also during this quarter, a meeting was held with TASA’s Chief of the Oceanography and Marine Sustainability Department and the Chief of Fishing Operations to discuss the experience that TASA has accumulated since 2008 with its private onboard observers program.  The information gathered has been taken into consideration in the design of the protocol for data collection of this FIP’s Onboard Observers Program.  The Program will collect data on the interaction of the industrial fishery with non-target species and other ecosystem components.

April – June 2017

On April 20^th, CeDePesca presented the advances of this project to the SNP, Skretting, Cargill and IMARPE.  Also on this date, a meeting was held at PRODUCE, where the Vice-Minister of Fisheries kindly shared the results of the scientific cruiser #1703-04 and explained the methodology used for the setting of the quota for the first part of the 2017 fishing season as well as the implementation of Supreme Decree N° 024-2016-PRODUCE issued to minimize discards (see section October-December 2016 above).  The quota was set at 2.8 million metric tons through Ministerial Resolution N°173-2017-PRODUCE issued on April 19^th.

On the other hand, on April 14^th, the Government of Peru issued Supreme Decree 005-2017-PRODUCE, setting fishing regulations for the Direct Human Consumption fishery.  This decree establishes conditions to conduct fishing operations, conservation measures, processing conditions, surveillance and control, as well as obligations regarding data collection.  This decree constitutes an indirect improvement for the IHC fishery, as it will allow for a better monitoring of the DHC extraction volumes and for the implementation of the surveillance needed to reduce the unreported transfer of fish to reduction plants.

Also in April, an onboard observer was selected by CeDePesca to start implementing this FIP’s Onboard Observers Program.  The Program started on May 3^rd.  Shortly after, all data-collection forms were homologated to those in use by IMARPE, in order to ensure compatibility.  Also, on May 15^th, the onboard observer received further training by IMARPE regarding top predators identification.

On May 11^th, the Vice-Minister of Fisheries convened the first meeting of the Working Group to coordinate actions related to the improvement of the anchovy fisheries.  The Working Group is formed by representatives from PRODUCE, IMARPE, SNP (to which Compañía Americana de Conservas is affiliated) and CeDePesca. The group aims at proposing improvements to the fishery’s management and research.  During the first meeting, IMARPE committed to help homologate the FIP’s onboard observers data-collection forms to ensure compatibility with its database.  It also agreed to updating data related to the estimation of the required level of anchovy biomass that would ensure a healthy status of those species that prey on it.  On the other hand, PRODUCE committed itself to assessing the feasibility of differentiating the quota regime for longnose anchovy (Anchoa nasus) that is currently included in the Engraulis ringens quota regime.

On June 27^th, the second meeting of the Working Group took place.  During this meeting, it was agreed that workshops will be organized with stakeholders to help define quota ratios for Direct Human Consumption and Indirect Human Consumption, considering that as of April 2017 there is a TAC for the DHC fishery.  Other workshops will be organized in Ica and Chimbote to find ways to support the implementation of Supreme Decrees N°006-2016-PRODUCE and N°005-2017-PRODUCE (related to the prohibition of increasing fishing capacity in the DHC fishery, and other measures related to the monitoring of the fishery, extraction and processing activities).  Also during this meeting, IMARPE proposed organizing a visit to its headquarters to participate from the gathering of information related to the trophic interactions between anchovy and other species.

On June 28^th, CeDePesca presented all FIP progresses to Skretting and Cargill.

July – September 2017

On July 20^th, IMARPE contacted CeDePesca to coordinate a meeting with researchers from the departments of Population Dynamics, Top Predators, Trophic Ecology and Oceanography in order to discuss a practical approach to the task of determining the required level of anchovy spawning biomass that would ensure a healthy status of other species that prey on it.

On August 14^th, the third meeting of the Working Group was held.  During this meeting, PRODUCE and IMARPE agreed to assess the evolution of Anchoa nasus catches, its population status, its preferred habitat and the impact of the anchovy fishery on it during the last ten years.  This assessment would help in determining if it is possible and feasible to apply a differentiated management for Anchoa nasus.  On the other hand, the advances made on the analysis of what level of anchovy biomass would ensure a healthy status for other species that prey on it were also discussed during this meeting.  The fourth meeting of the Working Group will take place in mid-September.

Also in August, the SNP and IHMA held a workshop regarding potential improvements to the design of fishing nets and to methods to measure enmeshment rates.  The meetings were attended by representatives from companies associated to the SNP and fishing gear providers, as well as by representatives from PRODUCE, IMARPE and the National University Federico Villareal, among others.

In September, the SNP and CeDePesca discussed the feasibility of training fishing crews to conduct observation-related tasks during the second 2017 fishing season.  Workshops have been organized to train the crews in October.

On September 20^th, the fourth meeting of the Working Group was held.  During this meeting, IMARPE provided a list of international experts that could help them improve the current knowledge on trophic interactions and anchovy consumption rates.  CeDePesca committed itself to contacting the experts to gauge their interest in participating from this initiative.  Also, CeDePesca presented and discussed with FIP partners and the Working Group its update to the fishery’s MSC Pre-Assessment.  Comments were received, and the gap analysis will be published soon.  During the next meeting, the SNP and IHMA will present the advances of their tasks in relation to the FIP’s Action Plan, and IMARPE and PRODUCE will discuss the advances made towards the assessment of the Anchoa nasus case.

Also on September 20^th, a FIP partners meeting was held in the city of Lima, where the advances of the FIP were shared with Cargill and Skretting.

During this quarter, CeDePesca analysed the data collected by the FIP’s Onboard Observers Program during the first 2017 fishing season.  The results show that bycatch represented 1.02% of the total observed catch in 33 observed hauls.  Pelagic red crab (Pleuroncodes monodon) represented 0.94% of the total observed catch; horse mackerel (Scomber japonicius), 0.07; and 0.01% was composed of jack mackerel, lorna drum, coco croaker, Peruvian Eagle ray and common mola.  Regarding interaction with seabirds, it was observed that the fishery interacted with grey gull, Peruvian booby, and Inca tern.  Out of 3700 observations of the interaction with Inca tern, 5 specimens could not be returned to the sea and died during the fishing operations.  In regards to marine mammals, the fishery interacted with Southern sea lions, but out of 2950 observed interactions there was no harm specimens observed.  Regarding habitats, there was interaction with the sea bottom in one out of 33 hauls observed.

October – December 2017

Regarding the monitoring of impacts of the fishery on the ecosystem, in mid-October, CeDePesca met with the general managers from fishing companies Diamante, CFG, TASA, Austral and Hayduk to coordinate the training of fishing crew as onboard observers.  Commentaries were received from TASA to streamline the design of such program   Ten fishing crew members were trained to conduct observer tasks in late October and November 2017.  A data collection form to be used by the fishing crew members was also agreed with FIP partners.  The program has been named “Salvamares”.

On the other hand, in October, the SNP and the Peruvian Marine Research Institute (IMARPE) signed a specific agreement to collaborate on activities related to this FIP, including workshops on the impacts of the fishery on top predators, bycatch species and ETP species.

Furthermore, a Protocol for the Calibration and Intercalibration of fishing vessel echo sounders prepared by the SNP and the Humboldt Institute for Marine and Aquaculture Research was discussed with stakeholders and is pending validation by IMARPE.  The protocol will allow for the use of the data in IMARPE’s scientific analysis.  The data gathered will help to better understand the minimum oxygen zone and oxyclines, the distribution of plankton and anchovy’s natural mortality rate, among other factors

Regarding improvements in management, two inter-institutional workshops took place in Chimbote on October 23rd and Pisco on October 30th, with the participation of the Regional Directions of Production (DIREPROs), the captaincies of each jurisdiction and FIP partners.  One of the goals of the meetings was to start finding ways to support the implementation of Supreme Decrees N°006-2016-PRODUCE and N°005-2017-PRODUCE (related to the prohibition of increasing fishing capacity in the DHC fishery, and other measures related to the monitoring of the fishery, extraction and processing activities).

On the other hand, the fifth meeting of the Working Group formed by PRODUCE; IMARPE; the SNP and CeDePesca was held on Novermber 29th.  During this meeting, IMARPE presented the results of its study on the evolution of Anchoa nasus catches, its population status, its preferred habitat and the impact of the anchovy fishery on it during the last ten years.  After commenting on the results, the need of setting special measures for longnose anchovy during warm conditions was discussed and will continue to be addressed in subsequent meetings.  Also during this meeting, CeDePesca shared the comments received from stakeholders during the inter-institutional workshops conducted in Chimbote and Pisco.

2018

January – March 2018

On January 11th, the Working Group formed by PRODUCE, IMARPE, the SNP and CeDePesca held its sixth meeting.  The members discussed the issue of the establishment of an IHC/DCH quota ratio. In addition, IMARPE informed other members on a meeting held by its researchers with the expert Dr. Eduardo Morteo, regarding implementing a practical approach to estimating trophic needs of the ecosystem in relation to Peruvian anchovy.  The expert considered that the existing databases are appropriate to conduct the analysis.

On February 27th, the Working Group held its seventh meeting.  During this meeting, a representative from the General Office of Monitoring, Surveillance and Control presented the traceability system currently applied to the Direct Human Consumption fishery.

Also in February, CeDePesca sent a formal letter to the Vice-Minister of Fisheries expressing its suggestions on ways to establish a DHC/IHC ratio.

Regarding the monitoring of impacts of the fishery on the ecosystem, from January 7th to January 26th, 122 fishing trips were observed by the Program with the help of trained crew members.  The data is being digitalized for its analysis.

Also during this quarter, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between PRODUCE and CeDePesca setting the basis for technical collaboration regarding Peruvian fisheries’ sustainability.

On March 14, representatives of the Directorate of Superior Predators and CeDePesca met at IMARPE. During this meeting the progress of the Work Plan to determine the trophic needs of the ecosystem in relation to anchovy were known.

April – June 2018

In April the implementation of the on-board observer program called «Salvamares» continued with the starting of the first fishing season of 2018.

On April 11, a workshop was organized with representatives of the Directorate of Superior Predators and the Directorate of Small Pelagic of IMARPE, SNP and CeDePesca to monitor the progress of the Work Plan where the needs of the ecosystem in relation to anchovy are estimated. The attendees commented that the plan was a good proposal to achieve long-term results, however, the results of the proposal would not coincide with the expected objective in Task 1.2 of the PROME Action Plan. Therefore, IMARPE undertook to update the Work Plan with the new guidelines of the meeting and to evaluate if it was necessary to hire a specialist for the development of the work.

On April 19, the eighth meeting of the Working Group was held. During the meeting the representatives of IMARPE shared the list of the main species that predate anchoveta, also, it was suggested to include the researcher Jorge Tam as a member of the group to provide support in the update of his scientific article of the year 2010, entitled: Relationship of the anchovy and other components of the ecosystem. On the other hand, the SNP and the IHMA presented a report on the selectivity of the anchoveta purse seines and the management measures in the management of the incidental capture of juveniles of the anchoveta.

At the beginning of May, CeDePesca representatives prepared a report of progress of the FIP. This document included the objectives of the project, progress achieved and next steps to achieve a certifiable status of the fishery. The main issues that were raised to be resolved are; (1) develop a more complex work to estimate the trophic needs of the ecosystem in relation to the anchoveta, (2) elaborate a proposal of extraction control rules in case of low anchoveta biomass and management objectives related to the ecosystem, ( 3) promote the adoption of specific catch limits for the samasa during warm periods to avoid overfishing, (4) develop a proposal for a new fishing sanctioning regime, which contemplates the limitations of selectivity and technological innovation, and that discourages the practices that affect sustainability, and that are within the control of the shipowner, (5) conduct workshops among interested parties to assist in the definition of CHI / CHD ratios in the catch quota, and develop a proposal to define the share ratio between CHI and CHD, and (6) encourage the development of studies to estimate landings from the illegal fleet, and that this tion is considered in the estimation of the total allowable catch.

On June 19, the ninth meeting of the Working Group was held. During this meeting the representatives of CeDePesca presented the progress of the PROME and future actions of the project. The representatives of IMARPE informed that to elaborate the Work Plan they would have the support of the expert Mark Taylor of the Thünen Institute of Sea Fisheries of Germany to make consultations. On the other hand, the group discussed the definition of quota proportions between CHI / CHD in the anchoveta fishery, in this sense CeDePesca proposed for the North – Central Stock a stimulus ratio of 6% of the total quota for CHD. Due to the fact that landings never exceeded 3.8% of the total and because according to the quota compliance by CHI, there remains a proportion without fishing that makes the proposal viable.

July – September 2018

On August 15, the tenth meeting of the Working Group was held. During this meeting, the representatives of CeDePesca presented the progress and the Action Plan for the second stage of implementation of the FIP to the representatives of the Cargill, Skretting companies and members of the Working Group. The representatives of IMARPE estimated that they will present the results in mid-March 2019 of the work where the needs of the ecosystem will be defined in relation to anchovy. On the other hand, the representative of PRODUCE commented that the implementation of an independent quota for samasa during warm periods is under analysis.

During the month of August, the final version of the Results Report of the Private Observer Program on board was shared (May 2017 – June 2018). It was estimated that the total incidental catch was 585,808.07 kg, which corresponds to 0.479% of the total catches monitored. Within these catches, 14 species of fish were identified within the accompanying fauna; 10 species of bony fish and 4 of chondrichthyans (3 sharks and 1 ray), 3 groups of invertebrates; 1 of crustaceans, 1 of molluscs and 1 of cnidarians. In relation to marine mammals, of the 1,537 coves monitored, 1 cove was reported in which 1 individual of common dolphin (Delphinus capensi) died and another cove in which a sea lion (Otaria flavescens) was released in poor condition. Other mammals such as sea lions (Arctophoca australis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) interacted with the fishery but escaped alone or were released alive. As for seabirds, the blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii) and Peruvian booby (Sula variegata) are the species that most interacted with the fishery. On the other hand, the most liberated seabird by the crew was the Peruvian pelican (Pelecanus thagus), 61 individuals released alive were reported, followed by the guanay cormorant (Phalocrocorax bougainvilii) where the release of 53 individuals released alive was reported and 12 were discarded dead. In relation to marine reptiles, three species of tortoises interacted with the fishery; (Lepidochelys olivacea), (Eretmochelys imbricata) and (Chelonia mydas). All the individuals were released alive.

October – December 2018

In mid-October, the new Salvamares received training on identification, filling in logs and releasing species on board.

On October 18, during the eleventh meeting of the Working Group, IMARPE shared progress on the trophic needs of the ecosystem in relation to anchovy (Data compiled to update models and develop time series). Also, representatives of PRODUCE spoke about the implementation of anchovy quota for CHD. On the other hand, CeDePesca representatives shared the progress of the observer program.

On December 12, the representatives of IMARPE shared the progress of the implementation of the Work Plan to determine the trophic needs of the ecosystem in relation to anchovy. As presented, the work is going at a good pace and will be presented during the first semester of 2019. IHMA – SNP has shared their final report on fishing gear selectivity and technological innovations, including a short summary on the implementation of measures related to the catch of juveniles. The proposal was developed and revised by the Working Group during the twelfth meeting.

January – March 2019

IMARPE and Washington University continue to advance towards the methodological definition of a Management Strategy Evaluation for the fishery.  

Because the judicial processes were long and tended to prescribe, there was no sufficient deterrent effect, however, at the end of last year, the PRODUCE published Legislative Decree No. 1393 that establishes measures to combat illegal activities in fishing. Likewise, at the beginning of 2019, PRODUCE published the Protocol (No. 054-2019-MP-FN) that aims to establish the procedure that must be developed in order to execute interdiction operations against the illegal activities referred to the extraction and illegal prosecution of aquatic species, arranged by the prosecutor in charge of the investment.

The Salvamares Program for the industrial fleet continued to be implemented and results from 2018-II season report was develop.

April – June 2019

During April, a guide was developed for Salvamares to identify species on board better. In addition, technical training was organized for Salvamares to reinforce knowledge in logging, species identification and bycatch estimation. On the other hand, at the end of April the thirteenth meeting of the Working Group was organized, the main topics discussed were; (a) Progress of the study to demonstrate that the management system takes into account the needs of the ecosystem, new simulations were presented with different levels of extraction; (b) Progress in the implementation of the Traceability Pilot System – SITRAPESCA; and (c) Results of the On-Board Observer Program during the 2018-I and 2018-II fishing seasons.

On May 4, the 2019-I fishing season of the North-Center of the anchovy fishery began.

In May, Dr. Ricardo Amoroso presented MSE’s progress for the Peruvian anchovy fishery to collect comments from the actors and adapt the model. The model has a medium complexity. The final results are expected to be ready during the second half of 2019.

July – September 2019

During July, the results of the Salvamares Program were compared with the results of the Private Observer Program. The bycatch percentage was estimated to be 0.4% and 0.7% respectively, Therefore, recommendations were developed to improve the Salvamares Program in each fishing season. On July 24, during the fourteenth meeting of the Working Group, IMARPE representatives presented the databases that will be included in the analysis. Therefore, the information gathering process culminated, this will allow the balancing of trophic networks to be carried out in the next stage. The new date to present the final results would be in November 2019. The new date to share final results will affect the completion date of another task (Task 1.3 Analyze whether the fishery complies fully with the MSC requirements for LTL species) because it is necessary to have the scientific information so that the expert can analyze it in relation to the MSC Standard. Task 1.3 would end in February 2020.

Also, at the end of July, the Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) published Document No. 0005-2016-PCC / TC – Case of Judicial Resolutions in Fisheries. With this ruling, the Constitutional Court resolved the demand for conflict of jurisdiction overfishing permits granted through judicial decisions. Therefore, since the publication of the ruling, the Constitutional Court grants all the powers for the issuance of fishing permits and other types of authorizations and permits or fishing rights to PRODUCE.

On August 23, a workshop was held with different stakeholders to discuss basic criteria to develop a quota ratio methodology between DHC and IHC in the anchoveta fishery. On September 3, the document with the recommended criteria to establish a quota ratio was delivered to PRODUCE.

October – December 2019

On October 16, during the fifteenth meeting of the Working Group, SNP representatives commented that the work between IMARPE and the University of Washington was running at a good pace, therefore, the model would be formally presented in the middle from December. On the other hand, CeDePesca representatives shared the results of the Observer Program – Salvamares of the fishing season 2019 – I. The results were based on the analysis of 3,146 hauls, where 238,097 tonnes of anchovy were caught and the percentage of bycatch represented 0.27%, the releases of 30 dolphins of the species Delphinus capensis, Tursiops truncatus and Lagenorhynchus obscunus, the releases of 8 sea turtles of the species Lepidochelys olivácea, Chelonia mydas, Dermochelys coriacea and Caretta caretta, and between other species of mammals and seabirds released. In addition, during the fifteenth meeting, the members of the Working Group undertook to attend the audit to continue publishing its profile on the FisheryProgress.org website.

At the end of November, during the sixteenth meeting of the Working Group, IMARPE representatives presented the specialist Moritz Stabler, the scientist who will collaborate with Dr. Mark Tylor in the investigation. Likewise, the progress of this research was presented to the Working Group, to date, more than 1000 primary production combinations have been executed to choose the one that best fits the relationship that exists in the ecosystem. Although the results are expected to be ready by mid-January 2020 and the writing of the publication will be in March 2020.

On December 4, during the seventeenth meeting of the Working Group, CeDePesca representatives presented the progress and the next steps of the PROME. It also began the audit of PROME by MRAG. During the first day of the audit, the MRAG auditor interviewed IMARPE, PRODUCE, SNP, OANNES and Humboldt Institute representatives. During the second day, a visit to the TASA plant was carried out and the CeDePesca technical team was interviewed as implementers of PROME. The results of the audit are expected to be available by March 2020.

On December 11, specialist Ray Hilborn presented the results of the Management Strategy Evaluation for the anchoveta fishery (MSE). The MSE is systematic testing of alternative ways of managing the fishery: (a) What data to collect, (b) How to assess the stock and (c) The harvest control rule, against alternative hypothesis about the biology of the ecosystem and the behavior of the fishery.

2020

January – March 2020

During this period, MRAG auditors prepare the audit results report to the FIP. It is expected that the final version of the report corresponding to year 3 of implementation will be available in April.

At the end of February, the agenda and the list of participants for the Workshop on the Implementation of the Interdiction Law were agreed. However, the execution date is pending in response to the disposition of the Peruvian health authorities regarding the containment of COVID-19.

April –June 2020

On April 15th, The Task 1.2 was completed “Elaborate a document analyzing the role of anchovy in the ecosystem and the trophic needs of species that prey on it”; IMARPE delivered the report «Ecosystem impacts of fishing the low trophic level Peruvian anchovy in the Northern Humboldt Current Ecosystem».  The preparation of this analysis began in November 2017, and included the construction of a food web model for the NHCE, using the Ecopath with Ecosim program. 

In May, MINISTERIAL RESOLUTION N ° 147-2020-PRODUCE was published, authorizing the Start of the First Fishing Season 2020 in the North – Central stock of anchovy (Engraulis ringuens) and white anchovy (Anchoa nasus). The Maximum Total Allowable Catch was established in 2,413,000 tons.

In June, regarding the Task 4.4, a formal request for information on the implementation of the Interdiction Law (D.L. N° 1393-2018) was sent to PRODUCE.  In its official response, the institution stated that interdictions related to fishing are executed jointly by the Interior Department, the National Police or the General Director of Captaincies and Coast Guards.  To conduct the operations, these entities require information from PRODUCE and the Regional Governments.  A more detailed response regarding the number of operations carried out to date has been sought from the National Police and the General Director of Captaincies and Coast Guards, but no response has been received yet, probably due to the delays brought about by the pandemic in the country.  The workshop that was being organized on the Interdiction Law has been postponed indefinitely due to the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Regarding SITRAPESCA (traceability system), several virtual meetings have been held with PRODUCE officials to discuss the progress of its implementation.

July- September 2020

On July, FIP partners decided to add this task 1.4: “Secure an independent analysis of the current performance of the fishery’s harvest strategy against the MSC requirements for component 1.2 (Harvest strategy / Management)” to the Action Plan, and requested an independent analysis of the performance of the fishery against the four indicators included in that component. 

On July 8th, PRODUCE made public the instructions to use SITRAPESCA, opening it to testing by all owners of fishing permits and processing plants.  In this way, the app continues its testing phase.

On July 21st, CeDePesca and the SNP agreed to focus the FIP’s work during the next few months on: (a) working with PRODUCE to secure a public document where the mechanism used to establish the total allowable catch for the DHC and IHC sub-fisheries is made transparent; (b) securing a document where PRODUCE makes explicit the method used to estimate the level of illegal fishing; (c) working with PRODUCE to ensure that evidence of compliance and performance regarding judicial decisions is available in a full assessment. This roadmap was formally adopted by means of Specific Agreement N°6 and will be executed in the context of existing Task 3.5.

In August, CeDePesca completed the analysis of the data collected by the Salvamares Program during the 2019-II fishing season.  For that season, 34 crew members participated from the Program for a coverage of 8.4% of the fleet associated to the SNP.  The analysis of 1,227 hauls in 452 fishing trips indicated that bycatch represented 0.25% of the observed catch.  Bycatch was composed by 15 species of bony fish, 3 species of rays, 1 species of shark, and 5 species of invertebrates (crustaceans and mollusks). 

In the context of Task 3.5.  (ref: Action 3. Promoting improvements for the Management System) several meetings were held with PRODUCE officials.  As a consequence, on September 8th, PRODUCE issued Resolution N° 306-2020, where it establishes the guidelines by which it will determine the total allowable catch (TAC) for the DHC sub-fishery.  The resolution states that the joint TAC of the DHC and the IHC sub-fisheries shall not exceed the catch rate recommended by IMARPE for the IHC fishery’s first fishing season of each year, and that if the DHC TAC is later increased, the increase shall not provoke that the joint TAC of both sectors exceeds the catch rate recommended by IMARPE for the IHC’s second fishing season of each year.  The issuance of this Ministerial Resolution is a major improvement to the harvest strategy and the harvest control rules of the Peruvian anchovy fishery as a whole.  

Furthermore, on September 9th, PRODUCE’s General Directorate for Monitoring, Surveillance and Control issued Directive N°061-2020-PRODUCE/DGSFS-PA, where it established the guidelines by which PRODUCE will continue to provide IMARPE with data regarding illegal and undeclared fishing in the Peruvian anchovy fishery.  This data is included in the determination of IMARPE’s TAC recommendations.  The directive explains in which way illegal and/or undeclared fishing will be quantified and who is accountable for producing such reports.

October –December 2020

On November 11th, Ministerial Resolution N° 383-2020-PRODUCE was published, which authorizes the Second Fishing Season 2020 of the anchovy (Engraulis ringens) and white anchovy (Anchoa nasus) resource, starting on November 12 of the year.

Also In November, an independent evaluation of Principle 3 was contracted to highlight the needs for improvement, the consultant considered with respect to PI 3.2.4 that in recent years the management system has been continuously reviewed while the Government seeks to rectify the problems that previously plagued the sector, such as overfishing, illegal fishing, inadequate research for a fishery of the scale and intensity such as anchovy. 

On December, Task 1.3 was completed; the specialist on the MSC standard retained early in the FIP completed an independent assessment of the current performance of the fishery against MSC PI 1.1.1A for LTL species.  With the information available for the desk-study, the specialist concluded that the fishery would meet the standard at the SG80 level and above. The goal of this Action is considered to be achieved, and the Action is now complete.

The Salvamares Program continued to be implemented in 2020, and the coordination of the program was transferred to the SNP.  The Private Onboard Observers Program, on the other hand, was not implemented in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.  FIP partners have decided to seek an external validation of the Salvamares Program and the private Onboard Observers Program with the aim of improving its protocols.

2021

January –March  2021

In coordination with the SNP, CeDePesca compiled the bibliographic references and other content necessary to complete the Document Checklist, as requested by the certifier, being sent on January 29, 2021, along with the information distributed in the required folders and subfolders.

In March, MRAG was hired to validate both the Private Observer Program and Salvamares.

April –June 2021

On April the Task 3.2 was completed, as a result of this Task, FIP partners have considered the situation of longnose anchovy (Anchoa nasus) extensively.  Longnose anchovy continues to be handled within the TAC regime for Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis ringens) but given that there are no reference points for the species and removals are very infrequent, it is to be assessed as a secondary species as defined by the MSC.

Regarding the Task 3.5; regular meetings continued being held with PRODUCE under the umbrella of the Executive Table for the Development of the Fishery Sector, put in place by Ministry Resolution 287-2020-eF/10. At those meetings, the need for an improvements on the management system and mandatory Traceability System (SITRAPESCA) were discussed.

On April 23, through Ministerial Resolution No. 00120-2021-PRODUCE, the start of the first fishing season 2021 of the anchovy resource in the central-north zone has been authorized. The fishing quota established for the season is 2’509,000 metric tons, which is in line with the IMARPE recommendations that in its report «Situation of the north-central stock of the Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis Ringens) to the month of April of 2021 and exploitation prospects for the first fishing season of the year”. It was observed a biomass equivalent to 9’881,000 metric tons.

In June, CeDePesca collaborated with the SNP on the elaboration of an impact analysis of the fishing gear of the fleet on the sea bottoms and, together with the information from the On-Board Observer Program, it was shown that the impact was not important and did not warrant further analysis.

Regarding the tasks 5.5 5.7, The three reports of the Private Observers Program where published in the website of the Instituto de Educación Superior Tecnológico Público «Ricardo Ramos Plata»: Informe Técnico N° 1 Mayo 2017- Junio 2018, Informe Técnico N° 2 Noviembre de 2018 a Enero de 2019, Informe Técnico N° 3 Noviembre  a Diciembre de 2019. 

July – September 2021

During this quarter Peru was in transition after the general elections and the assumption of a new President. 

October – December 2021

2022

July – September 2022
Between July and September 2022 there was several meetings with the Viceminister of Fisheries, IMARPE staff and the certification team to highlight the need for peer reviews. There was a commitment of IMARPE staff to begin with these activities in October 2022.

November – December 2022

During these months, the review of the evaluation reports of Tam et al. and Diaz et al. by an independent scientist. The results have been sent to IMARPE to be considered in its continuous improvement process.

In October, a new Executive Table for Fishing within the Economy and Finances Ministry discussed the need of SITRAPESCA, with participation of CeDePesca and the Viceminister of Fisheries informed that the Supreme Decree was already at Minister of Production office and in November, effectively, the DS 024-2021-PRODUCE was approved, establishing the binding character of the fisheries traceability system for the fishing industry and making it progressively binding for the small scale sector.

On December 6, 2021, PRODUCE issued Directorial Resolution No. 130-2021-DGSFS-PA, presenting specific guidelines for the use of SITRAPESCA by fishing vessels and processing plants. 

2023

On January 2023, a hearing was requested from the Ministry of Production in order to communicate the progress of PROME and follow up on the implementation of monitoring and control actions of the fleet dedicated to anchovy. On February 22, 2023, CeDePesca and other fishing stakeholders interested in this issue participated in a meeting with the participation of the Vice Minister of Fisheries. During this meeting, the importance of implementing SITRAPESCA to the entire anchovy fleet was highlighted, among other issues.

February 2023

On February, CeDePesca and other fishing stakeholders participated in a meeting with the participation of the Vice Minister of Fisheries. During this meeting, the importance of implementing SITRAPESCA to the entire anchovy fleet was highlighted, among other issues.

March 2023

On October the Task 5.2 was finished, however the Salvamares Program Manual was updated, which contains all the information related to the Program, what it is about, its objectives, guidelines, policies and principles, among others.