Peru Mahi Alliance: Peru’s seafood industry takes the lead in the mahi-mahi Fishery Improvement Project, marking a transition that strengthens the sustainable management of the fishery
Within the framework of the international Seafood Expo North America 2026, WWF Peru announced the start of a new stage for the Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) of mahi mahi through the progressive transfer of its leadership to the Peruvian fishing industry, represented by the Peru Mahi Alliance (PMA).
This transition constitutes a milestone in the process of strengthening the mahi mahi fishery in Peru and reflects the level of institutional maturity achieved by the actors involved, who today have the necessary capacities to autonomously lead efforts aimed at the sustainability of the resource. "This leadership model, led by the industry, makes it possible to make visible to international buyers and importers the progress of the Peruvian mahi mahi fishery, reinforcing the message that sustainability is built through the co-responsibility and commitment of all actors in the value chain", said Grecia Chávez, Fisheries Improvement Project Officer at WWF Peru.
The mahi mahi FIP has made significant progress thanks to the articulated work between the fishing industry, participating organizations and government entities. Among the main results are the approval of the Fisheries Management Regulation (ROP) for the mahi mahi, the implementation of on-board observer programs and the donation of specimens by the industry for research purposes. Likewise, training programs have been developed for artisanal fishers for the proper filling of fishing logs and the strengthening of capacities in the management and release of protected species such as sea turtles.
© WWF Peru/Yawar Films
These efforts have contributed significantly to the improvement of the fishery's performance against the indicators of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard, bringing it closer to the criteria required for sustainable fisheries management. As part of this new stage, the PMA will assume the formal leadership of the mahi mahi FIP before international platforms such as FisheryProgress and in the relationship processes with the MSC, consolidating the leading role of the industry in the implementation of actions to improve the fishery. WWF Peru will continue to provide technical assistance and strategic accompaniment during an initial phase, contributing to a gradual and effective transfer of functions.
This transition represents a significant step towards the long-term sustainability and governance of the FIP, by strengthening the sense of ownership and the conduct of the process by the private sector. In this way, it seeks to ensure the continuity of improvement efforts, promote new advances towards international sustainability standards, and consolidate a management model increasingly led by the actors in the production chain themselves.
© WWF Peru/Yawar Films
