Industrial Marine Fishing in the Face of Climate Change in Peru

Abstract

Peru’s industrial fishery centers on the Peruvian anchoveta (Engraulis ringens), which is highly productive due to the marine conditions of the Humboldt Current. However, like elsewhere, the country’s marine fishing industry is linked to climate change. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between industrial marine fishing and climate change in Peru. Correlation and linear regression methods were used. A key variable of climate change is the sea surface temperature (SST). The study found that in Peru during 1997-2020, the higher the SST, the lower the industrial fishing catch (α=5%). There is also evidence of an inverse correlation between sea level and industrial catch; i.e., sea level rise would alter marine ecosystems. A positive correlation between landings of industrial marine fishing and exports for nonfood purposes was corroborated, especially fishmeal. The study concludes that the industrial Peruvian anchoveta catch is negatively affected by SST, fishing effort (search time in hours), and catch per unit of effort (CPUE). For the sustainability of Peru’s industrial fishery, climate change adaptation measures, such as a reduction of fishing effort and research on alternative production of fishmeal with unmodified natural inputs without or in combination with anchoveta, should be implemented. For the future, a change in fishing policies is required that replaces anchoveta for fishmeal with a warm-water marine species during strong El Niño events.