Lula unveils sustainable fishery plans
Although it has one of the largest maritime coasts in the world, on which the economies of dozens of Brazilian cities and towns depend, “fisheries are not producing enough” so the Government plans to introduce a policy for sustainable growth and development, including specific measures for each region.
"Despite the immensity of Brazilian rivers and lakes and of the 200 miles of territorial sea waters, we do not produce the quantity of fish we consume. At present, each Brazilian national eats an average of just seven kilos of fish per year, practically half of what is recommended for a healthy diet," says President elect Luis Ignacio Lula da Silva.
"It is difficult to believe that countries such as Peru and Chile produce more fish than Brazil. It is not because there is not enough fish in our waters; it is because we do not have a real policy to promote the sustainable development of industrial and coastal fisheries." President Lula told local media this policy was vital to help boost local food production and combat hunger and poverty. Investment in the sector could generate employment and improve quality of life.
The first step is to create the National Fishery and Aquaculture Secretariat, which will integrate all Government ministerial offices related to the sector. This agency will develop the National Plan for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to enable medium and long-term sector planning. IBAMA will continue to control fishing activities but will be assigned a budget allowing it to perform its duties correctly.
A Fishery Fleet Renovation Programme will be implemented and a Professional Training Programme for Fishermen will create a workforce specialised in maritime, river, industrial or artisanal fishing, and in aquaculture.
President Lula is promising investment to expand fish landing, storage and trade through Fishing Terminals that will encourage value-added fish production. One of the most important measures in his programme is the creation of specific credit lines in each region to support artisanal fishing and aquaculture. Mr. Lula believes that if the fishery sector can focus on development "it will play a predominant role in generating employment and income as well as helping fight hunger," as well as safeguarding the country's natural resources. (FIS/MP).-