Imarpe Assesses Giant Squid Resource in the Central Peruvian Coast

Release time:

2024-12-20 16:35

Imarpe Assesses Giant Squid Resource in the Central Peruvian Coast

With the goal of evaluating the current status of the giant squid or jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas), the Peruvian Sea Institute (Imarpe) has initiated a research cruise aboard the Scientific Research Vessel (BIC) José Olaya Balandra. The expedition covers the central region of the Peruvian coastline, from 50 to 150 nautical miles, and will extend until December 23.

This multidisciplinary scientific effort brings together experts in biology, acoustics, fishing, oceanography, and genetics. The research aims to estimate abundance indices of the giant squid using acoustic techniques and fishing gear, as well as analyze its distribution, concentration, population structure, biological status, and the relationships between the resource and the marine environment. Additionally, genetic variability will be evaluated across its latitudinal and longitudinal distribution within the study area.

The results obtained will be crucial for projecting the sustainable fishing of the giant squid in 2025 and establishing necessary management measures.

According to the latest report from the Multisectoral Commission in Charge of the National Study of the El Niño Phenomenon (ENFEN), issued on December 13, 2024, the availability of giant squid is expected to gradually improve throughout 2025. If the current biological and oceanographic indicators remain stable, catches could reach levels similar to those recorded before the 2023-2024 El Niño Phenomenon. This forecast aligns with projections from Chinese scientists, who highlight a favorable outlook for the giant squid in the South Pacific waters, reflected in price expectations in Zhoushan, known as the "squid capital" in China.

This cruise also marks the return of the BIC José Olaya Balandra to its primary mission: researching key fishery resources in the Peruvian coastline. Imarpe, the technical agency of the Ministry of Production, emphasizes that these activities are essential to ensure the sustainability of marine resource

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