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Produce Announces the Restart of Jumbo Squid Fishing with a 40,000 Ton Quota and Strict Sustainability Control

The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) has given the green light for the resumption of fishing activities for the jumbo squid, or pota (Dosidicus gigas), starting October 1, 2025. To ensure the sustainability of this vital fishery, which supports the economy of thousands of coastal families, a maximum catch quota of 40,000 tons has been authorized, effective until October 17.

The Minister of Production, Sergio González, stressed that the measure is part of the annual Maximum Allowable Total Catch Limit (LMCTP) of 559,804 tons and responds to the recommendations of the Peruvian Sea Institute (IMARPE). IMARPE's studies confirm that the giant squid population is in a process of reconstitution and recolonization of its historical distribution areas, which necessitates a precautionary management approach.

Comprehensive Management and Control Measures (Effective until December 31)

The new provisions aim to strengthen formality and traceability for the jumbo squid, a resource that represents one of the country's largest artisanal fisheries.

1. Catch and Vessel Restrictions:

• Only artisanal fishing vessels with valid fishing permits and sanitary authorization may operate, using exclusively jigging lines (línea potera).

• Vessels are limited to a single fishing trip, with maximum quotas based on hold capacity:

  • Less than 10 m³: 6 t (tolerance of 0.5 t).

  • From 10 to 20 m³: 8 t (tolerance of 1 t).

  • From 20 to 32.6 m³: 12 t (tolerance of 1 t).

• Vessels with an operative Satellite Monitoring System (SISESAT) will be granted double the tolerance on their quota.

2. Sailing Calendar (Start of Operations):

• Vessels with a hold capacity of up to 20 m³: from October 1 to 12.

• Vessels with a hold capacity greater than 20 m³: from October 4 to 12.

The Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Jesús Barrientos, emphasized that these rules are strict but necessary: “We guarantee the traceability of the resource and a production chain that respects sustainability and formality at every stage, from the work at sea to plant processing.”

Reproductive Ban and Enhanced Inspection

To protect the main spawning period, PRODUCE has mandated a national reproductive closure (veda) effective from October 18 to November 17, 2025. During this month, the extraction, transport, processing, commercialization, or storage of the resource is prohibited, unless demonstrated with credible documentation that the catch occurred prior to the closure.

To reinforce oversight, PRODUCE will launch the “Defenders of Fishery Sustainability” pilot program, which will accredit personnel to assist in monitoring quota compliance and resource traceability at authorized landing points. This initiative will be carried out in coordination with regional governments and fishermen's organizations.

The jumbo squid is the most important fishery by volume for the artisanal segment in Peru, and its sustainable management is crucial for the country, one of the world's leading exporters of fishery products. The strict control implemented by PRODUCE aims to ensure that the temporary reopening does not jeopardize the population that is currently recolonizing in Peruvian waters.

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Address:	Calle oeste 1 nº 060 - Urbanizacion Cortac
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Country:	Peru
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