Production Minister: “We have clearly established that there is no first fishing season”

The head of the Ministry of Production (Produce), Raúl Pérez-Reyes, was emphatic and ratified the decision of his ministry that there will be no first season of industrial anchovy fishing. In addition, He pointed out that he understands the industry’s interest in developing this activity, but the Peruvian Sea Institute (Imarpe) has said that the conditions do not exist.

“We have clearly established that there is no first season. There would have to be very notable changes to be able to open the season. At this time, no such changes are observed. (…) The only thing I do want to say is that I don’t want speculation about ‘they can open the season’. At this moment, it is clear that not”, stressed the minister.

On the other hand, the head of Produce reported that he is coordinating with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to give measures in favor of the crew members of the vessels, in relation to the issue of payment of pensions for those who are in the ONP or in the private pension system, as well as contributions for health.

He added that he will meet next week with the National Fisheries Society (SNP), fishermen’s unions and civil society organizations to collect the proposals they have. Regarding a new study by Imarpespecified that this will be carried out again when a decrease in sea temperature is observed.

“When a significant decrease in temperature is observed, that will trigger the immarpe go out and do the oceanographic research work and then let’s see what is happening. It should also be taken into account that normally the July-August period is a period linked to spawning. So, you also have to look at this issue and not only see the temperature, and when the research is done, it is also to see the reproductive cycle, particularly of the anchovy,” he concluded.