To ignore or mitigate – Economic implications of an illegal artisanal trawl fishery in northern Peru

Abstract

An artisanal shrimp trawl fishery operating illegally in northern Peru has high levels of bycatch and three main commercial species. Here we provide the first characterisation of the socio-economic contribution of this fishery. Estimates have been generated for the capital values, operational and maintenance costs, as well as net profits at point of landing and across the value chain. This fleet sector in northern Peru is estimated at 105 vessels, generating an annual gross income of U$D 4.8 million with 315 direct jobs. Vessel owners could potentially have a net income of over ∼$12,000 per year, and crew are likely to be earning 45 % above the living wage for similar land-based rural employment, including other fishing activities operating in the same areas. With an appropriate multiplier for the seafood supply chain, the gross economic value of the fishery from landings up to the retail level is estimated at U$D 35 million with 915 jobs. Recommendations for improving the sustainability of the fishery and possible mitigations are discussed to address the gulf between policy and regulatory intent and reality, where enforcement is lacking or absent.