The clock appears to be running down on attempts by Peru's anchovy fleet to harvest its full quota for the second season in north central waters.

So far caught 73 percent of second season 2022 has been landed, according to data provided by the Marine Ingredients Organization (IFFO).

This means over 1.7 million metric tons of anchovy have been landed, Enrico Bachis, market research director at the fishmeal and fish oil trade group, told IntraFish.

After a lengthy delay, Peru's Ministry of Production (Produce) authorized a 2.283 million metric ton anchovy quota for the second season of 2022 in north central waters with one week remaining in November.

While the quota is an 11.5 percent increase over the same season last year, harvesting frequently spills over into the following calendar year.

In January average daily landings have been reported at around 18,000 metric tons.

"Should this pace been maintained, it would take another month to land the remaining tonnage of more than 600,000 metric tons," Bachis said.

"February, however, has rarely seen anchovy landings in the north-center, as by that time the spawning process has already started and thus fishing activities suspended."

Despite the delayed start to fishing in the context the La Niña phenomenon, Bachis said the catch is healthy and capable of meeting global demand, especially in China.

In late July, Peru wrapped up the first 2022 anchovy season in north central waters with 84 percent or more than 2.34 million metric tons of anchovy quota caught.

As a main producer Peru's anchovy quota announcements and the progress of harvests are always keenly monitored by the fishmeal industry and aquafeed producers keen to know how they might impact prices of their main raw materials.