February 8, 2011

Norway agrees with Brazil to develop aquaculture, fisheries

Norway's Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Brazil's head of Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MPA) have agreed to embark on actions intended for developing aquaculture and fisheries in both countries.

The decision was taken during a meeting in Rome, whilst both officials, Brazil's head of MPA, Ideli Salvatti, and Norway's Deputy Minister of Fisheries Hans Kristian Amundsen, participated in the meeting of the Committee on Fisheries of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Under this agreement, an international seminar will be held next March, in Manaus, with the assistance of authorities and experts from Norway.

The event will analyze data on fisheries and aquaculture, Brazilian policies and legislative progress in the sector, among other issues.

The Brazilian government seeks to specify a program for aquaculture development.

"For this, we must expand our partnerships with the Norwegian Government, with the aim of making the most of the experience of that country in the areas of research and technology in the production of fish," said the head of the MPA.

"We have much to learn and we want strong partners such as Norway, to sustainably develop our aquatic potential," she added.

In addition, she informed Amundsen of the creation of the Laboratory of Marine Affairs by the Ministry of Science and Technology, and supported by the Ministry of Oceans and the MPA.

The Brazilian minister said that another issue that will work is the Brazilian model of fisheries management.

The two countries have a long tradition of trade, especially in the field of fisheries and aquaculture. Cod and salmon are the main Norwegian products that are imported by Brazil. As cod purchases by Brazil alone represent around US$220 million annually.