April 15, 2010

New aquaculture network formed in Latin America

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) last week announced that it is expanding its aquaculture initiatives with the launch of the Aquaculture Network for the Americas (RAA), with 20 participating countries from Latin America and the Caribbean.

The initiative looks to the FAO's fisheries and aquaculture department to promote the sustainable development of aquaculture in the region. The objectives are to help small-scale producers get off the ground, make cooperative mechanisms feasible and build institutions.

The FAO forecasts that 2-3 million tonnes of fish will be required to feed Latin Americans this year.

Meanwhile, Altemir Gregolin, Brazil's fisheries and aquaculture minister, pointed to Latin America's potential when it comes to aquaculture and the importance of cooperation among countries.