Chinese fishing boats spotted in off-limits zone in Peru

Two Chinese fishing vessels – identified as JiaDe18 and Hai Feng 1 – were reported anchored very close to the Port of Bayóvar, in Piura, in Sechura Bay. The unexpected sighting is relevant because, according to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO), The Port of Bayóvar is not authorized to receive foreign-flagged vessels that fish for squid on the high seasas are the ports of Paita, Chimbote, Trujillo and Paracas, among others.

According to records from Starboard Marine Intelligence, a platform that tracks the position of the ships in real time, the first has been at sea for approximately six months, while the second has been operating for almost a year. In addition, they were identified as having cargo holds of 965 and 488 tons, respectively.

Alfonso Miranda, president of Calamasur, stressed that this represents a failure to comply with Peru’s commitments within the framework of conservation and management measures. In this regard, The fact that the Hai Feng 1 ship has turned off its AIS anti-collision equipment is not only an indicator of possible illegal activities, but also puts the safety of the entire crew at risk.

“The entry of foreign vessels operating in a port not designated for such purposes could even lead to a potential lack of inspections. This is definitely a violation of international standards and agreements established to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing,” Miranda said.

However, to date more than 80 Chinese ships have been reported entering Peru and, according to the schedule of arrivals and departures of the Port Authority of Bayóvar obtained through the Redenaves platform, Three more ships from China are expected to arrive at the port in the next few hours.. These would be Pu Yuan 777, Huan Yi 788 and Jin Hai 829.