Peru cuts anchovy quota by 36% to 1.91 million tonnes amid sustainability concerns

PERU – Peru has set its first anchovy fishing quota for 2026 at 1.91 million tonnes, a 36% reduction from last year’s 3 million tonnes, as authorities move to balance resource sustainability with industry demand. 

The decision, announced in early April by the Ministry of Production, follows scientific recommendations and reflects shifting marine conditions impacting stock levels.

The quota for the north-central fishing zone is 1,914,049 tonnes, a year-on-year decline of more than 1 million tonnes. 

The Ministry said the limit aims to ensure “an adequate balance between responsible exploitation and stock conservation,” citing stock structure, environmental conditions, and ongoing monitoring.

The announcement comes as the global marine ingredients sector closely monitors Peru’s anchovy season, as the country accounts for around 20% of global fishmeal and fish oil production. 

Lower quotas are expected to tighten supply and influence pricing across aquafeed and livestock feed markets worldwide.

Supply tightening expected across marine ingredients markets

The reduced quota follows weaker-than-expected production at the start of the year, with January and February volumes already below 2025 levels despite positive fishing activity in southern Peru. 

Industry observers had anticipated a downward correction after 2025, yet the quota recorded one of the highest in recent years.

Peruvian anchovy remains the backbone of the global fishmeal industry, widely used as a high-protein ingredient in aquaculture and animal feed. 

A cut of this scale is likely to constrain raw material availability, particularly for aquafeed producers reliant on marine proteins, while increasing pressure to diversify into alternative ingredients such as insect protein and plant-based sources.

The quota decision also reflects broader environmental variability affecting anchovy populations, including changes in ocean temperatures and shifting biomass distributions. 

Authorities have maintained strict monitoring measures, including limits on juvenile catch and the ability to suspend fishing zones if thresholds are exceeded.

Economic impact remains significant despite lower volumes

Despite the reduced quota, the 2026 anchovy season is expected to remain a major economic driver. 

The Ministry of Production estimates the season will generate PEN 769 million (approx US$224.6 million) in value added, accounting for 19.5% of the fisheries sector’s GDP and around 0.13% of Peru’s national GDP.

Export revenues are projected to reach US$855 million, representing 18.3% of total fisheries exports, while more than 47,000 direct and indirect jobs are expected to be supported across the value chain. 

Over 670 licensed vessels will participate in the season, landing catches across key coastal ports.

Anchovy continues to dominate Peru’s fisheries sector, accounting for approximately 77% of marine capture production. 

The country produced around 5.5 million tonnes of fish in 2022, equivalent to 3% of global output, of which 97% was derived from marine capture fisheries.

Fishing operations will be restricted to licensed vessels using purse seine nets, with strict enforcement of sustainability rules, including a maximum juvenile catch tolerance of 10% per trip. 

The season will conclude once the total allowable catch is reached or earlier if environmental conditions warrant closure.

The reduced quota underscores the growing importance of resource management in maintaining long-term supply stability, even as global demand for marine ingredients continues to rise.

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