Surf Tourism and the Preservation of Peru's Ancestral Fishing Culture

In Huanchaco, a seaside town near Trujillo, Peru, traditional fishers continue to use ancient reed boats known as caballitos de totora, or "little reed horses," to catch fish. This practice has persisted for approximately 3,500 years, with fishers paddling out at dawn to harvest their catch. However, many in the community, such as Junior Huamanchumo, express concern that they may be the last generation to engage in this ancestral fishing tradition. Factors such as dwindling fish stocks, plastic pollution, and competition from larger motorized fishing vessels have significantly impacted their ability to sustain their livelihoods.

The Guardian

Junior Huamanchumo, who learned to fish at 14, notes that his family's catch has drastically decreased over the years. "My father used to tell me that with one or two nets, they used to bring in a lot of fish. Now we use six or seven nets and the catch is low," he states. As fish stocks diminish, Huamanchumo's wife, Gabriela, has had to supplement their income by purchasing fish from wholesale markets. The couple struggles to support their three children solely through fishing, prompting Huamanchumo to take on additional work in construction.

The Guardian

The fishers also face a shortage of totora reeds, essential for constructing their boats. In early 2025, sewage spills from a treatment plant damaged many reed ponds, exacerbating the situation. To counter this, local fishers collaborated with the NGO Conservation International to build new ponds for those affected.

The Guardian

Despite these challenges, surf tourism has emerged as a potential lifeline for the fishing community. Huanchaco's world-class surf breaks attract surfers from around the globe, many of whom develop an appreciation for the caballitos and the culture surrounding them. Some younger fishers have transitioned into surfing, with a few opening surf schools. The Australian embassy in Peru has supported this initiative, recognizing the economic opportunities surf tourism can provide.

The Guardian

Daniela Amico, communications director for Conservation International in Peru, emphasizes the connection between surfing and the fishing culture: "I believe that by connecting surfing and the ancestral culture of these fishermen, we can find new opportunities for them."

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Traditional fishing practices in Peru are protected by a 2018 law that designates them as of "national interest." However, enforcement of protections for the coastal waters reserved for caballito fishers remains inadequate, raising concerns about the sustainability of Peru's marine ecosystem.

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While many fishers report declining catches and challenges in maintaining their traditional practices, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the exact impact of motorized fishing boats and environmental changes on local fish populations. Additionally, the effectiveness of the 2018 law in protecting traditional fishing rights has not been thoroughly evaluated.

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“Two compañeros lost their reed beds completely. [The beds] got buried in a landslide and are now contaminated,” — Pablo Díaz, Fisher

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“Now we use six or seven nets and the catch is low Junior Huamanchumo “For me, it is very emotional because it’s what my father taught me, and you feel proud of that.” — Junior Huamanchumo, Fisher

The Guardian

“I believe that by connecting surfing and the ancestral culture of these fishermen, we can find new opportunities for them,” — Daniela Amico, Conservation International

The Guardian