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Produce Minister Mercedes Araoz said the El Niño phenomenon will likely boost the fishing of species that prefer hot water. (Photo: Produce)
'El Niño' to minimally impact fishing sector
PERU
Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 23:20 (GMT + 9)
The El Niño phenomenon, forecast for next year, will have a minimal impact on the fishing sector, contends the Ministry of Production (Produce).
The multi-sector committee in charge of the National Study of the El Niño Phenomenon (ENFEN) confirmed that the phenomenon will appear on the Peruvian coast in early 2010, but at a weak to moderate level. For this reason, the fishing sector will not be one of the most harmed.
The six institutions that comprise ENFEN analysed the atmospheric indicators, the winds of Western anomalies, and the surface and subsurface temperature of the sea.
“Along with the specialists of the Peruvian Marine Research Institute (IMARPE), we have detected that the impact in the sector will be minimal,” commented the head of Produce, Mercedes Araoz.
“It will probably increase the fishing of some species that prefer hot water like the mahi mahi, whereas others will be moving away from the coasts slightly more than usual,” the minister explained.
El Niño will not have negative implications on the state of marine species catch consumed by the population, she also assured.
“IMARPE will set sail with a survey vessel in the middle of December to see what the state of the coast is and to have a clearer vision,” Araoz added.
In terms of the second anchovy (Engraulis ringens) fishing season, to run from 15 October to 31 January, activity is normal so far, said the minister, Andina reports.
“We have seen that vessels are receiving better prices, and that is due to the fact that shipowners now have more power of negotiation than before the Maximum Catch Limits per Vessel (LMCE) were implemented,” he added.
Although fishmeal plants paid shipowners poorly before, “the price is better now, as better care is taken and the system is per quota, which favours the ecosystem and human beings,” Araoz continued.
Anchovy landings totalled 3.76 million tonnes between 1 January and 25 October, 2.8 per cent less than the 3.87 million tonnes landed in the same period of 2008, IMARPE statistics show.
Related article and information:
- Anchovy fishery controls tightened
- PELAGICS MARKET REPORT, 2 November
By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com
Photo Courtesy of FIS Member  PRODUCE - Ministerio de la Producción
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