A new study from environmental NGO Oceana identifies 62 fishmeal production centers on the north and central coast of Peru where 150,000 metric tons of anchovy destined for human consumption is "illegally diverted."

Exports of fishmeal registered an increase of 46.7 percent in 2017 and amounted to $1.5 billion (€1.3 billion), with China being its main destination market, according to figures from the Association of Exporters (Adex).

The province of Pisco, in the coastal Ica region, concentrates the largest number of allegedly illegal plants with 10 centers that produce fishmeal and fish oil for an estimated value of $32 million (€28.4 million) per year, said Jorge Grillo, fishing specialist of the organization REDES and one of the authors of the study.

Oceana alleged there are drying warehouses that buy surplus waste from human consumption plants and acquire anchovy from the smaller scale and artisanal fleet when there is oversupply.

Specialists of the Ministry of Production and the National Fisheries Society recommended, in a panel with Oceana, to strengthen the control and control of the landing until commercialization, and to apply a traceability system that allows for the collation of fishing permits, places and volumes of catch.