Humboldt (Northern) - Data Sources

Peruvian Marine Research Institute (IMARPE)

Pelagic species
Biomasses and spatial distribution of the main pelagic species are estimated from acoustic data and complementary indirect stock assessment models based on landing data (VPA) for some of them. Acoustic surveys have been carried out by IMARPE (Instituto del Mar del Perú) since 1983, with a frequency from two to four times per year. Survey design usually encompasses the north-south extension of the Peruvian sea up to 100 or 200 nautical miles offshore, what fully cover the range of distribution of the main species, anchovy. Size structure and biological condition (e.g. reproductive stage, trophic ecology, etc.) are obtained from pelagic trawls. The water column is systematically sampled to obtain oceanographic data (e.g. physical, chemical and biological data). There is also an intensive monitoring system of the pelagic fisheries. Fishing (e.g. fishing effort, landing, etc.) and biological (e.g. size structure, reproductive stage, trophic ecology, etc.) data are collected both on board the industrial fleet (25 permanent observers at sea) and at each landing port all along the Peruvian coast.

Demersal species
Peruvian hake is mainly assessed by the swept area method and complementary indirect stock assessment methods (VPA) are also implemented. Swept area surveys have been carried out since 1979 (F. Fernandez, personal communication), with frequency from one to two times per year. Biological data not only for hake but also for the most important demersal community species are obtained from bottom trawls. As for the pelagic species surveys, oceanographic data is systematically collected for description of the physical, chemical and biological environment. Demersal and coastal fisheries count with an intensive monitoring system. IMARPE’s on board observers (50, all the industrial demersal fleet monitored) and at port sampling program collect biological and fishing data. For coastal fisheries, there is almost one IMARPE’s sampler at every artisanal landing port.