The Peru Current, also known as the Humboldt Current, is a cold ocean current that flows northward along the western coast of South America. It originates from the Southern Ocean and travels up the coast of Peru, bringing nutrient-rich waters that support a diverse marine ecosystem. This current plays a crucial role in the region's fishing industry, particularly for species like anchovies. The Peru Current is part of the larger South Pacific Gyre and influences the climate of coastal areas. Its cold waters help create a desert climate in regions like the Atacama Desert while also contributing to the upwelling of nutrients that sustain local fisheries.