Chill waters, abundant fish: Manabí’s pelagic boost

Cold currents off the coast of Manabí are boosting the productivity of small pelagic fish, according to recent reports from local fishermen and experts. The decrease in sea surface temperature and the increase in water nutrients have created favorable conditions for species such as pompano and other smaller pelagics, benefiting artisanal fishing. This phenomenon represents a significant boost to the local economy, although catches have not yet reached historical levels.

The increase in nutrients is due to cold currents rising from deeper waters, stimulating the production of phytoplankton and zooplankton, which form the base of the marine food chain. This process, linked to the Humboldt Current, promotes the proliferation of small pelagics near the coast, allowing for more productive fishing days for local fishermen. Fisheries authorities and oceanography experts are monitoring these conditions to anticipate changes in resource availability.

Despite the improvement in biological productivity, fishermen note that catches have not reached the levels of previous decades. Factors such as historical fishing pressure, changes in fish migration patterns, and water pollution could limit short-term results. However, technical reports suggest that marine productivity could remain at moderate to high levels in the coming months, offering an opportunity to strengthen artisanal fishing in a sustainable way.