Brazil creates new Fisheries Department
The new Brazilian fisheries department is set to "transform fisheries into one of the focal points" of the government's economic policy, says department head José Fritsch.
Mr. Fritsch, who will become Brazil highest fisheries authority, told La Tribuna he was optimistic about managing the sector with a specific policy and the support of the fisheries sector in all regions. Centralising fisheries management, which was previously controlled by several ministries, will allow for the creating of adequate policies to "increase exports and domestic consumption," said Mr. Fritsch.
Mr. Fritsch first action was to announce the creation of a National Fisheries and Aquaculture Council, which will not only represent the sector, but also environmental interests and the community as a whole.
Tsuneo Okida, leader of São Paulo's State Fishermen Federation, said the creation of a new fisheries department was the most important event for the sector in the last 10 years.
“The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Council should benefit 1,800 coastal fishermen from Baixada Santista region, because one million hectares of fresh water in São Paulo were available for developing aquaculture now that the technology was available”, said Mr. Okida.
Maria Teresa de Oliveira, a researcher and one of the country's leading authorities on the subject, echoed Mr. Okida’s optimism saying that Brazil has the necessary conditions "and competent staff for the sector to progress".
José Fritsch said incoming President Lula found it hard to believe that with 8,000 kilometres of coast “Brazilian fisheries were managed at quiet a low ministerial level". Lifting the profile of fisheries within the government would help to boost output.
Fritsch comes from the southern state of Santa Catarina where 60% of the country's fishery activity is concentrated. Itajaí alone accounts for 530 of the country's fishing vessels, which generate 20,000 jobs. Another important centre is São Paulo, which has 470 kilometres of coasts, abundant rivers and one million hectares of fresh water in dams.
However despite the abundance of resources, Brazil’s average per capita fish consumption is well below the international average, writes La Tribuna. (FIS/MP).-