MAHI MAHI
The mahi mahi fishery is the second most important artisanal fishery in Peru. It represents 43% of the world’s catch of this resource and generates over 40,000 jobs across the production chain (extraction, transport, processing and trade).
Seventy-nine percent of its exports goes to the United States, which demands products from sustainable sources.
Learn more about this species
Mahi mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) is an opportunistic top predator, with a wide range distribution and high fertility. It has a rapid cycle of growth and maturity, lives at temperatures between 21-30 °C and is considered a migratory species. It can be found in tropical and subtropical waters in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
Learn more about its market
Peruvian mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) generates approximately USD 109 million annually in export revenues, with the United States as its primary destination market. International buyers, including those in the U.S., are increasingly requiring that seafood products originate from sustainable and legally managed fisheries. In this context, Peruvian mahi-mahi is expected to either be certified under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard or be actively engaged in a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP).
Mahi Mahi Fishery
45
tons of average landings, 2011-2020 (PRODUCE, 2020)
+16,200
fishermen
3,500
Approximately 3,500 vessels
(under the SIFORPA II formalization process and fishing cooperatives)
It represents
50%
of landings worldwide (FAO, 2020) (PRODUCE, 2020)
FISHERY MANAGEMENT MEASURES
Fisheries Management Regulation (ROP) for mahi mahi
(Supreme Decree #017-2021-PRODUCE)
In July 2021, the mahi mahi ROP was approved in order to establish regulations for the fisheries management and resource conservation. Among its main provisions, this resource was declared as fully exploited, establishing a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for each season. Furthermore, it set out conditions for both conservation and protection of bycatch species, on-board scientific observation, and strengthening of its traceability.
Minimum Catch Size
(RM N° 249 -2011-PRODUCE)
In September 2011, the minimum catch size for mahi mahi was established in 70cm length. Moreover, it was set a maximum tolerance of 10% for the number of specimens captured below the minimum size. Consequently, extraction, reception, transport, processing and trade of mahi mahi below the minimum size was forbidden.
Closed season
(RM N° 245-2014 PRODUCE)
In July 2014, the mahi mahi closed season was established, which goes from May 1st to September 30th of each year. Fishing permits are only granted between October 1st and April 30th of each year.