Photo: Produce/FIS

Peruvian Government Strengthens Artisanal Fishing with Update to the General Fisheries Law Regulation

PERU
Monday, March 03, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

This new regulation promotes the sustainability of the fisheries sector and equity in access to hydrobiological resources.

The Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) has updated the General Fisheries Law Regulation, marking a milestone in the protection of the Peruvian sea and the strengthening of artisanal fishing. The Supreme Decree modifies the General Fisheries Law Regulation, in compliance with the provisions of Law No. 31749, "Law that recognizes ancestral traditional fishing and artisanal traditional fishing and promotes its preservation within the Peruvian five nautical miles."

"This reform introduces important measures to ensure the sustainability of hydrobiological resources, the equitable development of the fisheries sector, and the country's food security, which represents a real commitment to our fishermen and the preservation of the marine ecosystem. With a modern and sustainable approach, we are closing spaces for illegal fishing and ensuring that artisanal fishing continues to be a source of work and food for thousands of Peruvians," highlighted the Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Jesús Barrientos.

Most Notable Measures of the New Regulation

The aforementioned Supreme Decree will positively impact the economic well-being of more than 80,000 fishermen and their families, as it regulates, among others, 4 key aspects:

1. The concept of "predominance of manual labor" is given content as a fundamental element to differentiate artisanal fishing.
2. The actors who will have "exclusivity within the first three" nautical miles are delimited.
3. It is defined that the first 5 nautical miles will be considered as the "Flora and Fauna Protection Zone," in which prohibited fishing gear for that zone cannot be used.
4. It is confirmed that extractive activity on a larger scale is not allowed within the five nautical miles.

It is important to note that, as part of the implementation of these new measures, provisions will be issued to regulate the process of adapting vessels that will update their classification, within a maximum period of 60 business days.

"We are modernizing fisheries regulations with a focus on justice and sustainability. This regulation is a support for our artisanal fishermen, who for generations have known how to coexist with the sea, and ensures that their activity is profitable without compromising the future of our resources," affirmed Barrientos.

With this advance, Peru reaffirms its leadership in the sustainable management of marine resources and takes a firm step towards more responsible fishing aligned with the challenges of climate change.

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