Marine experts from Chile and Peru have launched a joint effort to estimate the biomass of anchovy in the waters off southern Peru and northern Chile, reports Seafood Source.
The project uses hydroacoustics, a non-invasive technique that employs echo sounders on research vessels to detect and measure schools of fish. This allows scientists to gather accurate data on fish stocks without direct capture, improving the ability to manage resources based on evidence.
Officials said the collaboration will enhance understanding of marine populations in shared ecosystems, particularly the Humboldt Current Large Marine Ecosystem (HCLME), which runs along both countries’ coasts. The nutrient-rich HCLME is one of the most productive marine areas in the world, supporting biodiversity, fisheries, and global fishmeal production.
Anchovies play a central role in this system as a food source, a pillar of local fisheries, and an input for aquaculture worldwide. However, the species faces threats from overfishing, climate change, and pollution. The new joint monitoring program aims to standardize methods for tracking anchovy stocks to ensure long-term sustainability.
The initiative is led by Chile’s Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca) and Peru’s Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), with technical work by the Peruvian Institute of the Sea (Imarpe) and Chile’s Institute of Fisheries Development (IFOP). It is supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Peru manages the world’s largest anchovy fishery, dividing its waters into northern-central and southern zones with separate limits and seasons. The southern region, now part of the joint effort, has recently seen anchovy stocks rebound after years of decline.
“This recovery represents a major opportunity for fishers, companies, and local communities. It boosts the regional economy while also reinforcing our commitment to sustainable and responsible production,” Peruvian Fisheries and Aquaculture Deputy Minister Jesús Barrientos said earlier this year.
