El Niño impacts Peruvian anchovy fishery

The super El Niño phenomenon is currently affecting the fishing industry, with the Pacific Ocean experiencing an intense period of warming that threatens Peruvian anchovies. This natural meteorological event, known for triggering floods, fires, and droughts, is expected to cause a decline in the global fishing industry.

Peruvian anchovies' economic significance

Peruvian anchovies, found in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean, are highly valuable. They represent nearly one-tenth of commercial fishing catches and have held this status since 1970. In some years, anchovy fishing generates up to 3 billion dollars, employing about 50,000 people directly and up to 250,000 when indirect jobs are included.

Peru suspends anchovy fishing

In June 2026, the Peruvian government decided to prevent all anchovy fishing boats from going to sea, suspending the fishing season that had started earlier in April. By mid-August, the suspension turned into a complete closure, as the government aimed to protect marine resources based on scientific criteria.

El Niño disrupts anchovy habitats

El Niño causes warmer waters to accumulate off the equatorial coast of South America, negatively affecting anchovy growth. Warm surface waters push cold currents deeper, limiting nutrient movement and reducing the habitat suitable for anchovies. This also leads to a scarcity of plankton, their primary food source.

Economic consequences of the ban

The decision to ban anchovy fishing has significant economic consequences for Peru. The country's central bank predicts a 30.7% contraction in the sector, with around 78,000 job losses expected in 2026 and an additional 44,000 the following year. This will impact global food supply and the prices of small fish and their derivatives.

Anchovies move closer to the coast

The water temperature, heightened by El Niño, remains too high, forcing anchovies to move closer to the coast. Experts warn that the risks of fishing young specimens are too significant. Studies suggest that ocean warming will lead to an 8% to 14% decline in anchovy numbers per decade during the 21st century, worsening the crisis in the market for small silver fish.