Peru Resumes Squid Fishing On October 1st

   The Peruvian Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) announced that it would resume fishing for giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) from October 1, 2025, with a quota of 40,000 tons (expiring on October 17), and simultaneously introduced a series of control measures.

Fishing Restart: 40,000 Tons Based on Signs of Stock Recovery

   The restart of the giant squid fishery, with a 40,000-ton quota included in Peru's 2025 LMCTP of 559,804 tons, was based on research from the Peruvian Marine Research Institute (IMARPE), which confirmed that giant squid populations are in a rebuilding phase and gradually returning to their historical range, necessitating preventative management to ensure proper resource utilization.

   The Minister of Production noted that the giant squid fishery supports the economies of thousands of coastal families, and this restart reflects both the current state of stock recovery and the protection of local livelihoods and the development of the fishery. It also clearly states that measures will be implemented to protect the population and its reproduction.

Comprehensive Control: Regulations for the Entire Supply Chain, From Fishing Vessels to Navigation

   As of December 31, 2025, the current regulations primarily apply to small-scale fishing vessels. These vessels must operate exclusively with squid lines and hold valid fishing licenses and health permits. Fishing is prohibited for vessels currently applying for licenses.

1. Each vessel is limited to one fishing operation, with maximum catch quotas and allowances based on cargo hold capacity. Furthermore, the allowances for vessels equipped with a valid satellite tracking system (SISESAT) will be doubled.

2. Fishing vessels not equipped with SISESAT must register by September 29, 2025, and, before commencing fishing operations, must report the time, location, and date of their departure to the Ministry of Production using technical means designated by the Department of Small-Scale Fisheries Supervision, Inspection, and Penalties (DGSFS-PA) of the Ministry of Fisheries. This must be accompanied by a departure certificate or similar document from the captain's office of the relevant port as evidence.

Protection and Supervision: A Double Guarantee of Fishing Bans and Pilot Programs

   To protect the giant squid's prime spawning period, PRODUCE has designated a nationwide fishing ban from October 18 to November 17, 2025. During this period, the capture, transportation, processing, commercialization, and storage of giant squid are prohibited unless documentation can be provided proving the catch occurred before the ban.

   On the monitoring front, PRODUCE will launch a "Fisheries Sustainability Defenders" pilot program, authorizing personnel to visit designated landing sites to assist in monitoring quota compliance and resource traceability. The program will be implemented in collaboration with local governments and fisher organizations to further strengthen sustainable management.