Peru’s Ministry of Production (Produce) Issues Ministerial Resolution No. 00191-2026-PRODUCE on July 6 to Raise 2026 National Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Humboldt Squid by 50,000 Tonnes

On July 6, the Ministry of Production of Peru (Produce) published Ministerial Resolution No. 00191-2026-PRODUCE, lifting the 2026 national Total Maximum Permissible Catch (LMCTP) for Humboldt squid from 539,230 tonnes to 589,230 tonnes, representing an additional quota of 50,000 tonnes. This marks the third upward revision of the annual fishing limit by Peru this year.

Under the latest regulations, a remaining catch volume of 68,218 tonnes will be available for harvest between July 6 and December 31, 2026. The revised quota applies to all commercial fishing vessels holding valid fishing licences.

A recap of this year’s quota adjustments shows the Peruvian government initially set the 2026 annual Humboldt squid quota at 479,000 tonnes in May, followed by an upward revision to 539,230 tonnes in June. The latest 50,000-tonne increase brings the full-year total quota to 589,230 tonnes, a cumulative rise of 110,230 tonnes from the initial figure, equivalent to an increase of over 23%. For the global squid market, this constitutes another positive supply signal released by Peru in 2026. Quota Hike Backed by Scientific Stock Assessments

The latest quota adjustment is not a mere expansion of fishing volume; it is grounded in the latest fisheries stock assessment findings. Produce stated the decision draws on multiple scientific assessment reports submitted by Peru’s Marine Institute (IMARPE), including technical documents such as No. 000017-2026-IMARPE/GC, 1034-2026-IMARPE/PE and 1165-2026-IMARPE/PE.

IMARPE’s earlier assessment pegged the average Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) of Humboldt squid at approximately 539,230 tonnes, a figure falling within the 95% confidence interval. Subsequently, at the request of Peru’s competent authorities for fisheries and aquaculture policy, researchers further proposed adopting an intermediate value between the average estimate and the upper bound of the confidence interval as the management target, on the premise of controllable risks and adherence to sustainable utilisation principles. This informed the new annual quota of 589,230 tonnes.

IMARPE also emphasised that Maximum Sustainable Yield serves only as a special management tool within an adaptive management framework. Continuous stock monitoring will remain imperative going forward, with a focus on tracking shifts in population abundance, biological indicators and reproductive conditions, to enable timely adjustments to management measures in response to dynamic stock status.

Exclusive Quotas Retained for Small-Scale Artisanal Vessels

Beyond commercial fleets, the resolution maintains dedicated fishing allocations for the artisanal fisheries sector. Per the provisions, artisanal vessels with hold capacities below 10 cubic metres are entitled to a catch quota of 98,411 tonnes for the period March 27 to December 31, 2026, which is incorporated into the national total quota of 589,230 tonnes.

Of this dedicated artisanal quota, 12,800 tonnes can be utilised between July 6 and the end of the year.

The Peruvian government noted relevant competent authorities will collaborate with local governments and the Coast Guard to strengthen supervision over implementation of the revised quotas, ensuring all vessel fleets conduct fishing activities in full compliance with regulatory limits.

Shifting Global Supply Outlook

Peru ranks among the world’s largest producers of Humboldt squid and a key raw material supplier for squid processing enterprises in China. A substantial share of the Humboldt squid raw materials imported by China in recent years originates from Peruvian waters, making shifts in local stock conditions a direct driver of global market supply and price trends.

Peru’s three consecutive increases to its annual fishing cap this year reflect a relatively optimistic scientific assessment of squid stock health. The upward adjustment from 479,000 tonnes to 589,230 tonnes points to expanded available supply on global markets in the second half of 2026.

That said, a higher annual quota does not guarantee actual landings will reach the full authorised limit. Humboldt squid are highly migratory species; oceanographic conditions, sea temperature fluctuations, stock distribution patterns and fleet operational efficiency all shape real-world catch volumes.

The most far-reaching implication of the renewed quota lift lies in the positive signal Peruvian regulators have sent regarding current stock conditions, enabling market participants to form clearer judgments on raw material supply prospects. Nevertheless, the core focal points for global markets in the second half of the year will remain actual landings, export shipment schedules and purchasing demand from China. Should consistent strong fishing landings materialise, the supply impact of the expanded quota will gradually unfold across global Humboldt squid markets. Conversely, shifts in squid stock distribution could create a material gap between full-year actual output and the theoretical maximum quota.