Photo: Illustrative Stockfile/FIS

They denounce that illegal Chinese fleets cost Peru US$300 million

This year, squid extraction has suffered a drastic decrease. According to figures from the Ministry of Production (Produce), only 140 thousand tons of squid were caught in the first half of the year, representing a 70% reduction compared to the same period in 2023.

Artisanal fishermen protesting the presence of Chinese squid vessels. Photo courtesy of InfoBae

This drop in squid capture has generated a reduction in exports, causing losses of more than US$300 million for Peru, according to Henry Juárez, leader of the Association of Artisanal Fishermen, a union affiliated with the National Society of Artisanal Fishing of Peru (Sonapescal), based on data from the National Superintendency of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT). This situation is a consequence of the illegal incursion of Chinese fleets in Peruvian waters, with 295 ships counted from May 2023 to date.

The current authorities of the Ministry of Production projected the promulgation of a Supreme Decree that would reestablish the obligation for foreign ships to use a satellite device to identify any illegal activity, as part of the monitoring of commercial vessels. It was announced that this rule would be published in the first half of August. However, it has not yet materialized, since it continues to comply with the regulatory impact analysis required by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM).

Meanwhile, the consequences are evident. The decrease in the catch of squid during the first half of the year has generated serious repercussions, including the loss of thousands of jobs for artisanal fishermen.

“China has managed to considerably reduce its costs because, systematically, they have been allowed to enter Peru to carry out logistical work without complying with Peruvian regulations. Only a few ridiculous fines have been imposed on them and most of their irregular behavior has been ignored,” said Juárez.

The leader denounced that in August alone, nine ships with a history of manipulation of their positioning devices and labor abuses entered Peru, mainly at the Port of Callao.

Alfonso Miranda, president of the Fishing and Aquaculture Committee of the National Society of Industries (SNI), declared to La República that the fishing industry for human consumption faces its worst crisis in the last 30 years, putting the livelihood of artisanal fishing at risk.

“Peru has been a world leader in cephalopod fishing, with giant squid and Peruvian squid reaching the highest landings globally in this group. Not only are we losing this leadership position, but we are also endangering the artisanal fleet and the industry. It is important to remember that squid represents 50% of Peru's fishing exports for human consumption and is the resource that generates the most employment, even more than anchovy. We are talking about approximately 60,000 people,” Miranda said.

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