Anchovy fisheries. (Photo: Produce)

Tacna supports management for DHC but Chimbote fioshers disagree

PERU
Friday, October 26, 2012, 03:40 (GMT + 9)

Tacna Administration endorsed the decision of the Ministry of Production (Produce) to implement fisheries management measures on the capture and exploitation of anchovy for direct human consumption (DHC) within five nautical miles.

Through Supreme Decree 005-2012 new positive management measures were set for fisheries: the classification criteria for fishing vessels and the ratification as a reserve area for DHC in the first five nautical miles, exclusively for artisanal fishing activity.

The 'temporary fishing regime' authorized by Produce in 2003 allowed the depredation of the first five nautical miles. Five years later, in 2008, a 'special fishing Regime' was adopted and it was made permanent through the issuance of Supreme Decree 003-2008 of the Ministry, reports the agency Andina.

For the Government of Tacna, the decree raised concerns because industrial fishing uses non-selective nets for catching species for DHC, such as lorna drum, corvina drum, tripletail, flounder, silver smelt, horse mackerel, banded leporinus, and mackerel, among others.

Furthermore, fishing operations were developed 150 metres away from the shore, the regional authority added.

Later, Tacna issued Ordinance 007-2004-CR- with ratified effect by the Constitutional Court decision on 6 May, 2010 -- establishing the reserve of five nautical miles exclusively for artisanal fisheries and DHC.

Tacna Executive added: "We reiterate our support for the SD 005-2012-Produce, which sets the reserve of the first five nautical miles for DHC, with the goal of obtaining healthy fisheries through an ecosystem and sustainable management."

However, the artisanal fishermen from Chimbote, in the Ancash region, do not agree.

The fishermen of 150 smaller-scale ships belonging to that port have been conducting a strike for three days while demanding the repeal of Supreme Decree 005-2012.

According to Joaquin Cruz Navarro, representing artisanal fishermen, over 70,000 seafarers have been affected by this rule. Therefore, the sector requires the prompt removal of this decree, Diario de Chimbote reported.

"We will continue our protest until this minister [Gladys Triveño] repeals that decree, which is harmful to us, and resigns from her position for having threatened our industry. Therefore, we will continue demanding our rights to the end," claimed the leader.

Cruz Navarro announced that Thursday's protest will be joined by filleting woman workers, fishing vessel owners, cannery workers and other unions related to the fisheries sector.

Related article:

- SNP questions constitutionality of new fisheries management

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

 PRODUCE - Ministerio de la Producción

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