Last year (2012) was not good for the aquaculture sector as Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB's), or red tides, affected many scallop populations in Sechura Bay (Piura).
"We have a very rich sea with great potential for aquaculture in its coastline, as well as in rivers and lakes. It is necessary to promote a new Aquaculture Act with conditions similar to the present one, since the latter expires at the end of the year," he said.
He added that the Amazon is a region of Peru that, if better utilized for mass production of tilapia and other fish, could turn the country into a major global supplier of these foods, similar to Brazil.
An important factor in the fisheries sector in general is that it can ensure the country's food security, providing sufficient and nutritious food to meet the nutritional needs of the Peruvian population.
Fishing and aquaculture products exported as a whole generate over 1,000 million.
The main products exported are: giant squid (pota), scallops, shrimp, parakeet, mackerel, anchovies and trout.
