Fishermen face severe shortages due to El Niño effects: "We don't even have enough to eat"

Fishermen in Chorrillos, south of Lima, Peru, are experiencing severe shortages due to the El Niño phenomenon, which has drastically reduced daily fish catches. Reports from Latina indicate that artisanal fishing has been hit hard, with fishermen working up to fifteen hours to catch only a dozen pejerreyes and some cachema. The scarcity threatens their livelihoods and food security, as one fisherman stated, "We don't even have enough to eat." The El Niño event has caused a decline in marine species and a lack of key inputs, making this one of the most difficult seasons in recent years. The situation highlights the vulnerability of coastal communities dependent on fishing.

Global Impact

Economically, the shortage will tighten global fishmeal markets, benefiting alternative protein producers but raising costs for aquaculture. Socially, the event threatens food security for Peruvian coastal communities, potentially triggering migration or reliance on aid.