Photo: Facebook/AME

Opinion Article: 'Sovereignty is a right that is conquered'

PERU
Saturday, November 01, 2025, 22:00 (GMT + 9)

Peru has given the world a lesson by demonstrating that the defense of the sea is not merely declared: it is exercised. Our country has become an international benchmark regarding the highest standards for monitoring, control, and surveillance of foreign vessels that capture transzonal resources like the jumbo flying squid. In contrast, distant-water fleets —mainly those flying the Chinese flag— have been subject to criticism and complaints for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices, as well as for abuses against their own crew members.

Photo: AME/Facebook

In 2020, Peru began a journey that would mark a before and after in the history of the fight against illegal fishing. This milestone began with the promulgation of Supreme Decree No. 016-2020-PRODUCE, the result of years of tireless and militant effort by agents in the production chain of the fishing sector dedicated to the jumbo flying squid. The regulation raised the degree of control, requiring the use of the Satellite Monitoring System (SISESAT) of the Ministry of Production, on every foreign vessel wishing to use the services of our ports.

Satellite control and monitoring center. Photo: AME/Facebook

It was a brave decision: the country stood up against the powerful interests of opacity. Before the regulation, from 2015 to 2019, Peruvian ports annually received 250 to 300 foreign squid-fishing vessels. After its entry into force, between January 2021 and April 2023, those entries were reduced almost to zero, as vessels that refused to install the Peruvian system lost the right of access. The message was clear: whoever does not commit to transparency is not welcome.

Development of squid fishing in Peru. Photo: AME/Facebook

However, in May 2023, an "interpretation"—convenient for some—irresponsibly opened the door to a period of non-compliance. In just one year, more than 370 irregular entries were registered, without the monitoring required by the regulations. In August 2024, as many as two foreign squid boats were entering per day, without the satellite monitoring mandated by the 2020 decree and with governmental complacency. Faced with this setback, thousands of artisanal fishers raised their voice. Their constant vigilance was the beacon that guided the State to correct its course. This is how Supreme Decree No. 014-2024-PRODUCE was born, issued in September 2024, which reestablished and strengthened the original rules. The impact was immediate: the Chinese squid fleet, reluctant to raise its standard of transparency, once again abandoned our ports.

Development of squid fishing in Peru. Photo: AME/Facebook

Since then, Peru has completed one year without allowing the entry of vessels that refuse to be monitored. A year of reaffirmed sovereignty. A year in which actions replaced speeches. It was not an easy achievement. The pressures—internal and external—were intense. But the joint effort of institutions, guilds, and citizens committed to the country prevailed. As Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey, said: "Sovereignty is not a gift that is granted, but a right that is conquered."

Chinese-flagged squid fishing vessels that entered Peruvian ports some time ago for 'maintenance' in workshops/docks. Photo: AME/Facebook

Peru has resumed, with discipline and courage, the right to decide over its sea. It has demonstrated that sustainability is not decreed: it is built with firmness. Today more than ever, there can be no turning back. Retreating would mean giving up the recovered sovereignty.

Foreign vessels will continue to be welcome, but under an non-negotiable condition: compliance with the regulations that protect our maritime wealth. The Minister of Production has just reaffirmed this. Because the sea of Peru is not only a territory, but a symbol. And symbols, like sovereignty, are defended with pride and a vision for the future.

Author/Source: Alfonso Miranda Eyzaguirre / Diario expreso

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