The measure will be in force from July 29 to September 28 2012 in Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) waters.

The purse seiners with capacity class 4 of the IATTC – having between 182 and 272 metric tons (MT) of carrying capacity -- may be allowed to make only one fishing trip lasting up to 30 days during the closure period established.

These boats must carry an observer from the Onboard Observer Programme in accordance with the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Programme (IDCP).

According to the Ministerial resolution, the seine vessels involved shall remain in port until September 28 this year, except for those carrying an observer from the IDCP, which will be allowed to leave port during the closure provided they do not fish in the EPO.

Furthermore, the new rules set the total catch limit for bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) at 500 MT for 2012 and 2013.

This fishing limit applies to Peruvian flagged tuna longline vessels that are over 24 meters in total length in the EPO.

EPO is defined as the area bounded by the coast of North, Central and South America, and by the following lines: parallel 40° of north latitude from the coast of North America to the intersection with the meridian 150° west longitude to its intersection with the parallel 40° south latitude, and from this parallel to its intersection with the South American coast.

The Peruvian government said that longline vessels, trolling ships and recreational fishing boats as well as purse seine vessels with capacity class 1-3 of the IATTC and having less than 182 tons of carrying capacity, are not subject to the ban, website FIS.com reported.

(END) INT/EEP