Peru’s Fisheries Powerhouse Faces Challenges of Informality and Sustainability

Peru is a global fisheries powerhouse driven by anchoveta exports, with strong scientific management but a deeply divided sector marked by high informality and weak enforcement in small-scale fishing. Future growth depends on expanding aquaculture, strengthening governance and addressing climate risks while making the sector more inclusive and sustainable.

Peru is one of the world’s biggest fishing nations, producing around 5.5 million tonnes of fish every year. A new OECD report, based on inputs from institutions like the Ministry of Production, IMARPE, SANIPES and the Technological Institute of Production, highlights how important the sector is not just for Peru, but for the global economy.

Most of this production comes from the Pacific Ocean, where marine fishing dominates. At the heart of it all is the anchoveta, a small fish that makes up nearly three-quarters of Peru’s catch. It is mainly used to produce fishmeal and fish oil, key ingredients in global aquaculture and animal feed industries. In simple terms, Peru plays a major role in feeding fish farms and livestock around the world.

Two Sides of the Same Industry

Despite its global success, the fishing sector in Peru is deeply divided. Large industrial fleets use modern technology and operate under strict rules. But alongside them is a huge artisanal sector made up of small-scale fishers.

More than 128,000 people work in fisheries and aquaculture, and most of them are in this artisanal segment. Many fishers work informally, without proper registration or legal protection. For them, fishing is often a survival job rather than a stable career.

This creates a clear gap. On one side is an efficient, export-driven industry. On the other hand, there is a workforce struggling with low incomes, limited support and weak regulation.

Aquaculture: A Growing Opportunity

Aquaculture, or fish farming, is still small in Peru but growing fast. Over the last decade, production has nearly doubled. Species like trout, shrimp and scallops are leading this growth.

The country has strong natural advantages, including a long coastline and rich freshwater resources. This makes aquaculture an attractive option for future development. It can help create jobs, support rural communities and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks.

However, growth is not smooth. Farmers face challenges such as complex regulations, environmental risks and slow administrative processes. The government has introduced reforms like a single-window system to simplify approvals, but more improvements are needed.

Strong Science, Weak Enforcement

One of Peru’s biggest strengths is how it manages fish stocks. Scientific research plays a central role, especially through IMARPE. Most fish populations are considered healthy and sustainable.

The anchoveta fishery is often described as world-class. Authorities set catch limits, monitor fishing activity in real time and adjust rules when needed. This flexible system helps prevent overfishing and improves efficiency.

But outside this main fishery, things are less controlled. Many small-scale fisheries struggle with weak enforcement. Informal boats, illegal practices and poor data collection make it harder to manage resources properly. This can lead to overfishing and unfair competition.

The Road Ahead

Peru has built a strong foundation for managing its fisheries. It has modern monitoring systems, scientific expertise and a clear legal framework. But important challenges remain.

Informality is the biggest issue. It affects not only fishing but also labour conditions, safety and sustainability. Regional governments also need more resources and training to enforce rules effectively.

Climate change adds another layer of risk. Changes in ocean conditions, especially events like El Nino, can quickly affect fish stocks and disrupt production. Both fisheries and aquaculture need to adapt to these changes.

The OECD report makes it clear that Peru has the potential to remain a global leader in fisheries. But future success will depend on better governance, stronger enforcement and more inclusive policies that support both industry and small-scale fishers.