Aquaculture has not been a major focus in Peru so far, but this could start to change if the country uses its long coastline and vast freshwater resources, says the United Nations Food and Agriculture (FAO).
According to FAO’s general director of fisheries and aquaculture, Árni Mathiesen, aquaculture represents a great opportunity for Peru and Latin America.
The expert stressed that aquaculture has considerable growth thanks to trout production in the Andean environments, as well as the recent exploration of native species in the Amazon.
“Peru should take advantage of its long coastline and vast freshwater resources, both in the Andes and the Amazon basin, with species like the araipama (paiche), pirapatinga (Amazonic pacu) and pacu (tambaqui) that would serve local and regional markets,” Mathiesen told Andina.
He also suggested intensifying the promotion and support of bivalve mariculture, but he indicated that planning should be done carefully to ensure sustainability and appropriate impact on food security, nutrition and social development.
Mathiesen also noted that FAO is helping Peru with the development of a strategy for adaptation to climate change for the sector, because it is important to be prepared and take into account adaptation options.
The FAO’s official, who will participate on 24 February as a lecturer at the IV Aquaculture and Fisheries Exporter Forum, organized by ADEX, highlighted the importance of aquaculture worldwide.
“This is because it is currently providing half of the fish for human consumption and it is likely that this trend will continue in the coming years,” he pointed out.
“Asia comprises 54 per cent of total and its aquaculture has beaten traditional fishing since few years ago, while Latin America and the Caribbean have only 4 per cent of the market, however, they have an average sustained growth of 9 per cent in the last five years.”
Regarding Latin America, he noted that there are two aquaculture producers which are among the world top 15: Chile, which has become a producer of million of tonnes since 2012, and Brazil, which has increased its global ranking significantly in recent years.
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