The head of Produce, Elena Conterno Martinelli, has heavily criticised the current fishing quota system for anchovy. (Photo: Produce)

Individual quota system begins next year

PERU
Monday, December 15, 2008, 23:10 (GMT + 9)

The Ministry of Production (Produce) published the Regulatory Law on Maximum Catch Limits per Vessel (MCLV) that oversees the fishing sector, aims to protect fishers and their crews, and promotes environmental preservation.

Peruvian fisheries authorities claim the implementation of the individual catch quota system will make planned harvest periods possible throughout the year, which will reduce pressure on the anchovy (Engraulis ringens) fishery as well as limit effluent emissions.

According to the regulation, Produce will determine the start and close of the fishery seasons and the Maximum Total Allowable Catch (MTAC) for each based on scientific reports released by the Peruvian Marine Research Institute (IMARPE).

Each calendar year will establish two fishing seasons, which ought to be announced a minimum of 10 working days in advance by Produce.

By expressly prohibiting layoffs and offering a system of incentives for workers who freely wish to resign or choose early retirement, the new Law protects fishing crews, the government insists.

Fishers working with nets aboard a  a Peruvian fishing vessel. (Photo: Produce)

The seasonal subsidy will be equivalent to 20 per cent of the monthly worker’s monthly wage before his resignation and will be bound by a monthly maximum limit of 1.5 minimum vital payments.

The regulations that refer to the development of wild fishery activities by shipowners will go into effect in the first 2009 fishing season.

The head of Produce, Elena Conterno Martinelli, announced that the current fishing quota system for anchovy could put the preservation of the resource at risk in the near future.

With this in mind, she again called for the implementation of an individual quota system which will safeguard the anchovy biomass and, moreover, regulate the Peruvian fishing sector through the MCLV.

"There are studies on 123 fishing industries in the world which conclude that measures like Legislative Decree 1084 help to avoid depredation," Conterno Martinelli said. In her opinion, "this is scientific proof that the system is beneficial."

Anchovy landings totalled 3.83 million tonnes between 1 January and 30 September, indicates data compiled by IMARPE. The same period last year saw a similar catch of 3.86 million tonnes of anchovy landed.

Related article and information:

- FISHMEAL MARKET REPORT PESCADO, 5 December
- Anchovy quota jeopardising stocks: Minister
- PELAGICS MARKET REPORT, 6 October

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com