Despite the Peruvian government's ongoing efforts to minimize the risks of illegal fishing by foreign fleets targeting giant squid, the influx of these vessels has not only continued but intensified in 2024, according to fishing industry associations. 

This year alone, 70 foreign ships, mainly Chinese, have arrived in Peru, many with histories of illegal fishing and human rights abuses toward their crew members, claimed Peruvian fishing industry representatives.

In June, Sergio Gonzalez, head of Peru's production ministry, announced a stricter stance against illegal fishing along Peru's maritime borders. He stated that a supreme decree would soon mandate all foreign vessels entering Peru must be equipped with the government's satellite tracking device, SISESAT, regardless of their purpose for entry.

According to official sources, 70 foreign vessels, mainly Chinese, have docked in the ports of Paita, Chimbote, Callao, and Paracas this year without the required satellite control systems.

Elsa Vega, president of the artisanal fishing national society, also known as Sonapescal, highlighted the worsening situation compared to last year.

"We had significantly fewer entries at this time last year. We need immediate concrete measures to protect our waters and our fishermen," she said.

Starboard Maritime Intelligence, a real-time ship tracking platform, currently reports 10 Chinese vessels in national territory for crew changes, certificate renewals, or in transit. Additionally, the Chinese ships Jin Hai 858, Ning Tai 35, and Pu Yuan 816, which arrived on June 4, 5, and 21, are still undergoing maintenance at the Peruvian navy's SIMA shipyard in Chimbote, according to Sonapescal.

June has seen a notable increase in arrivals of ships linked to illegal fishing, it claimed. Vessels like Lu Yan Yuan Yu 007, Wei Yu 19, and Ning Tai 62, which docked in Peruvian ports this month, have histories of disabling their anti-collision systems for extended periods. The Hua Li 19, for instance, reportedly entered Argentine waters without authorization four times, Sonapescal said.

Alfonso Miranda Eyzaguirre, president of the fishing and aquaculture committee of Peru's national society of industries, expressed concern over the irregular entry of foreign fleets.

"With nearly 200 Chinese ships fishing for squid 230 miles off Paita, it is crucial to enhance electronic surveillance and naval patrols in the area," he said.