Peruvian Sea Institute (Imarpe) reported an important recovery of anchovy biomass in the South of the country totaling 607000 tons, which largely exceeds the October estimate of 244329 tons.
Discovery was made after the Hydro Acoustic Assessment Cruise of Pelagic Resources aboard the research vessel Luis Flores Portugal on January 15-27 this year.
The assessed area was located between Atico in Arequipa region and Ilo in Moquegua from 0,5 to 50 nautical miles off the shore.
According to Imarpe, a trend towards normalization of environmental conditions was observed during the evaluation, which contributed to the rise of anchovy biomass of the South stock.
Nevertheless, 98% of the stock is made up of juveniles and the few adult anchovies belong to a non-spawning mature population.
The juveniles are almost 12 centimeter long, the minimum catch size, which could be reduced within a matter of months.
This is why Imarpe recommended that the Production Ministry continue restricting extractive activities in this area until the adult stock availability is adequate.
(END) CCR/RMB/MVB
Published: 2/13/2015