Peru's fishing sector will expand 38% in volume in 2018 due to higher catches of anchovy destined for the production of fish meal and oil, Production Minister Lieneke Schol projected.
"The sector's performance between [last] January and February shows 2018 might be better than the previous [year], as long as the oceanographic conditions remain favorable for the next two fishing seasons," the minister explained.
Moreover, she pointed out the aquaculture sector will grow around 12%, mostly driven by greater production of shrimps (+10%) and trouts (+9%).
It must be noted these two aquaculture activities maintain a steady growth and generate sales worth over US$240 million a year.
According to the official, aquaculture production —which was affected by Coastal El Niño phenomenon last year— will also speed up its recovery in 2018.
" [...] a 28% rise in the harvest of scallops is expected if compared to 2017," she added.
January
"The increase in catches [of species] destined for direct human consumption, in fresh state, also contributed positively to this result […]," she concluded.
(END) MDV/JAA/MVB
Published: 3/7/2018