Two ships of Instituto del Mar del Peru (IMARPE), together with six fishing boats, set sail on Saturday to start a new research survey in order to perform a second measurement of the anchovy biomass and distribution in the Peruvian sea.

This new study will conclude on June 20 and will be relevant to the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) to adopt the final decisions on the start of the anchovy first season in 2016.

\"The survey is a way to implement what has been recommended by the IMARPE to perform a second measurement. In the first measurement it was found that there was high salinity due to the effects of El Niño phenomenon, but an improvement was observed of environmental conditions that would be favorable for the anchovy. This latter situation is verified in this new measurement,\\\" said Juan Carlos Requejo, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

What is sought is to determine the current anchovy biomass level, become aware of the current biological characteristics, the resource distribution and concentration area.

The survey will be led by scientific research vessels BIC Jose Olaya Balandra and BIC Luis Flores Portugal. The former one will begin its journey northwards from Huacho to Talara while the latter will begin its voyage southwards from Huacho to Chala. These IMARPE vessels will be added as support to other six private fishing vessels, which will have scientific staff of the agency onboard.

The first survey found a biomass (to May 1, 2016) of 4.42 million tonnes, a level that does not make it possible to open a season. In addition, it was found that there was salt and warm water, which is unfavorable to anchovy. However, the report noted that the oceanographic conditions are moving towards a neutral or cold scenario in the short term, with favorable effects on the anchovy stock.

Source: FIS World News. Full article: FIS.