Sustainability in the Pelagic Fisheries of Ecuador

The capture of small fish in open waters plays a crucial role in Ecuador's economy and food supply. In a recent development, its management has been reformed through collaboration between the public and private sectors, in line with efforts led by the National Fisheries Chamber since 2018. This initiative, supported by the Public Institute of Aquaculture and Fisheries Research, aims to ensure sustainable exploitation of these resources.

A recent study has examined four operational models to simulate how small fish populations change in response to various uncertainties, such as modifications in biological aspects and productivity. As a result, a monitoring regulation has been proposed to help reduce the risk of overexploitation. This regulation is based on closely monitoring certain species until their catch per unit effort reaches 90% of its sustainable maximum, which could lead to the complete recovery of the fishery and make it one of the most stable and sustainable in the long term in Ecuador.

Fishery company executives have shown great interest in these findings, recognizing the importance of adopting management strategies backed by solid scientific data to ensure long-term sustainability. The international recognition of these efforts, as expressed by Engineer Carlos Cacao, underscores the progress made through the Small Fish Fishery Improvement Project, instilling confidence in Ecuador's direction in this field.