The second 2023 season for anchovy and white anchovy in the northern and central regions of Peru’s waters ended on 13th January, with approximately 75% of the 1.682 million-tonne quota landed.
The early start to the season in October resulted in higher catches in November 2023 and contributed substantially to the overall surge in raw material usage. According to international marine ingredients organisation IFFO, larger catches have also also reported in Chile and the North Atlantic region.
IFFO reports that its figures (accounting for 55% of global fishmeal and fish oil production), indicate that cumulative total fishmeal production during the first 11 months of 2023 was down by approximately 16% compared to the cumulative production reported through November 2022.
The predominant factor contributing to this decline is attributed to the 41% YoY decrease in Peru, where activities have been heavily affected by the El Niño phenomenon and the subsequent cancellation of the April-June first fishing season of 2023.
The total cumulative output of fish oil in the first 11 months of 2023 was almost 20% down YoY. The supply shortage in Peru – due to both fewer landings and lower oil yields – was again the main cause for such negative performance.
Chile remained the only country that registered a positive change YoY thanks to healthier catches and higher-than-average oil yields in the South of the country.
