IUU vessels continue to dock in Peru as government prepares decree to curtail practice

Despite recent legislative efforts by the Peruvian government to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, activities by foreign vessels, particularly Chinese, have intensified in Peruvian waters. A new regulation mandates foreign vessels to have a government-sanctioned SISESAT satellite device onboard. In 2024, 70 Chinese vessels docked in Peru, many lacking the required satellite control system and having records of illegal fishing and human rights abuses. The Peruvian government is preparing a decree to enhance electronic surveillance and naval patrols to protect national waters and ensure sustainable fisheries management.

Instances of fishing fleets that have carried out illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) activities entering Peruvian ports have not only continued but intensified, despite the Peruvian government recently moving to enact legislation to better combat this illicit activity.In June, Peru’s Production Ministry announced it is preparing a decree that aims to strengthen the country’s fight against IUU fishing – mainly of squid – by foreign vessels in Peruvian waters. The regulation will require any foreign vessel looking to enter Peru to have a government-sanctioned SISESAT satellite device onboard and activated, regardless of the reason for its entry.Currently, there are nearly 200 Chinese vessels fishing for squid up to 230 miles off the Peruvian shore Peruvian National Society of Industries Fisheries and Aquaculture Committee President Alfonso Miranda said in a release. While the presence of this foreign fleet is “inevitable,” he said it is urgent to increase electronic ...