Final Answer:
The fishing economy of Peru is greatly affected by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) because ENSO influences sea surface temperatures and oceanic conditions, impacting the abundance and distribution of marine life, particularly the anchovy population that forms a crucial part of Peru's fisheries.
Step-by-step explanation:
ENSO refers to the periodic climate phenomenon characterized by the alternation between El Niño and La Niña phases. During El Niño events, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures occur in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. This warming disrupts the normal atmospheric circulation patterns, affecting weather and ocean conditions worldwide. In the case of Peru, El Niño tends to lead to warmer coastal waters, negatively impacting the cold-water anchovy population. Anchovies are a key component of the marine food web and a major source of nutrition for larger fish species. The temperature changes associated with El Niño disrupt the ecosystem, leading to reduced anchovy stocks and cascading effects throughout the food chain.
The fishing industry in Peru heavily relies on anchovies, which are processed into fishmeal and fish oil, essential components of animal feed for livestock and aquaculture. When El Niño events occur, the reduction in anchovy abundance affects the fishing industry's productivity, leading to economic challenges for Peru. This impact extends beyond the fishing sector, influencing food security, employment, and export revenues. Monitoring ENSO events and their effects on marine ecosystems is crucial for anticipating and mitigating the socio-economic consequences on Peru's fishing economy.