Critical environmental and biological factors affecting the future sustainability of the Dosidicus gigas fishery include climate variability, oceanographic changes, and biological interactions. Climate changes can alter ocean temperatures and currents, impacting their pelagic habitat and food availability, thereby influencing growth rates and reproductive success . Biological factors such as natural predation rates, variations in reproductive success due to environmental conditions, and genetic diversity within populations also play significant roles . Additionally, overfishing and competition with other marine species, including the cannibalistic tendencies of Dosidicus gigas, can alter ecological dynamics. Effective management must integrate these factors into adaptive strategies that focus on preserving both stock and habitat viability in the face of climate change and human exploitation pressures .

Reserving the Dosidicus gigas fishery for the artisanal fleet has significant social and economic implications in Peru. Economically, it secures income for numerous local communities involved in the fishery, as it is a major source of employment for the artisanal fishing sector, which comprises about 16,045 vessels with a significant portion dedicated to Dosidicus gigas . Socially, it fosters community livelihoods and sustains traditional practices, strengthening cultural identity and resilience . However, this reservation also poses challenges, such as limiting the entry of technologically advanced commercial operations that could increase catch efficiency; yet, this helps maintain ecological balance and supports resource sustainability . This approach contributes to ensuring equitable resource distribution and access, reinforcing socioeconomic stability in artisanal fishing communities.

The Dosidicus gigas fishery significantly impacts Peru's export market. It is the second most important non-traditional export product, after China, with increasing demand internationally due to its low cost and versatility in various presentations . Over the past decade, Peru saw an export peak in 2018, reaching up to $621 million. This trend of increasing exports is driven by growing international demand and the efficient capture practices of the artisanal fleet, which dominates the fishery . These economic contributions are supported by effective management and regulation that balance resource sustainability and export growth .

Peruvian artisanal fishers use a technique known as 'muestra potera' to capture Dosidicus gigas. This involves using a reflective or phosphorescent lure with barbs arranged in a J-shape instead of hooks . This technique is advantageous as it is specifically designed to attract the giant squid, reducing the bycatch of other marine species and being efficient for targeted capture. The method allows for capture during the night when these cephalopods are most active, increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of fishing expeditions . Moreover, this artisanal method supports sustainable practices through selective fishing while also preserving the traditional fishing culture of the region .

Scientific research plays a critical role in establishing sustainable quotas for the Dosidicus gigas fishery in Peru by providing the necessary data to inform decision-making. The Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE) conducts research to monitor biomass levels, population dynamics, and environmental conditions that influence squid populations . This scientific data informs the annual quota setting, ensuring that quotas reflect current biological and ecological conditions and are responsive to fluctuations in stock levels . It also helps predict future stock changes and potential impacts of fishing pressures, guiding regulations that prevent over-exploitation. The research supports a sustainable management framework that aims to optimize the long-term yields of the fishery while preserving ecosystem health .

International demand and economic incentives can significantly influence the management strategies of the Dosidicus gigas fishery by driving both market opportunities and regulatory adjustments. Growing global demand for Dosidicus gigas, particularly due to its low cost and versatility in culinary applications, motivates increased investment in the fishery, which can lead to pressure on stocks and potential overfishing if not managed properly . Economic incentives to maximize exports and revenues encourage the development of the fishery through technological advancements and sustainable practices, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory frameworks. To balance export growth with sustainability, managers must emphasize adaptive quota settings, enforce compliance, and encourage fleet modernization that enhances efficiency without compromising stock health . The sustainability of the fishery is contingent upon aligning international trade interests with conservation principles to ensure long-term resource viability.

The Peruvian fishing industry regulates the capture and commercialization of Dosidicus gigas primarily through the Reglamento de Ordenamiento Pesquero. Key regulatory aspects include setting annual quotas for capture, which were set to 450,000 tons for 2019 and can be adjusted based on biological, fishery, or environmental recommendations from IMARPE . The fishing of Dosidicus gigas is primarily reserved for the artisanal fleet, which operates under strict regulations including a limit on fishing vessel size and capacity . Additionally, foreign vessels can only participate in capturing when there is a surplus that the national fleet cannot utilize, ensuring no negative social or economic impact on the local industry . These measures, combined with fishing zones restricted to areas beyond 80 nautical miles from the coastline, help sustain the resource .

Dosidicus gigas, known as the giant squid, exhibits several biological and ecological characteristics that make it a significant resource in Peru's fisheries. Biologically, it has a rapid growth rate, is a prolific species with a wide geographical distribution in the Pacific Ocean from 37-40°N to 45-47°S, and demonstrates a large size, reaching up to 2 meters in total length and weighing up to 50 kg . It exhibits dimorphism where females are slightly larger, which can be advantageous for reproduction. Ecologically, Dosidicus gigas has pelagic habits, predominantly residing within 1,200 meters of depth and is active in vertical and horizontal migrations, feeding on a variety of nicto-epipelagic organisms, which include teleost fish and other cephalopods . Its ability to adapt to various oceanographic conditions and its reproduction throughout the year support its sustainability as a fishery resource.

Mono-cyclicity, the trait of reproducing only once in their lifetime, significantly impacts the biomass dynamics of Dosidicus gigas. This reproductive strategy, coupled with evidence of spawning throughout the year and peaking between October and January, results in various cohort sizes and age structures within the population . The biomass of Dosidicus gigas can experience fluctuations due to environmental factors affecting the survival rate of new cohorts. Historical data shows periods of growth followed by decline in biomass, such as the sharp reduction observed between 2016 and 2017 due to smaller average individual weights . Mono-cyclicity places importance on adequate recruitment each season to sustain the fishery and mitigate risks associated with over-exploitation, underscoring the need for comprehensive management strategies that account for these biological cycles to maintain stable biomass levels.

Unsanctioned and informal fishing practices pose significant challenges to the sustainability of the Dosidicus gigas fishery primarily because they circumvent established regulations that are critical for managing catch levels and protecting the marine ecosystem. Approximately 25% of the vessels in the fishery operate informally without registration or permits . This lack of oversight can lead to overfishing, unintended bycatch, and inadequate compliance with quotas, ultimately threatening the resource's biological sustainability. Furthermore, informal operations can impact the economic stability of formal sectors, destabilizing pricing, and undermining conservation efforts . To counter these issues, strict enforcement and collaboration between national and regional governance bodies are necessary to ensure compliance and sustainable exploitation of the resource .