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Sea cucumber is one of the species that will be promoted. (Photo: Magap)
Government promotes mariculture development
ECUADOR
Tuesday, July 03, 2012, 04:10 (GMT + 9)
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries (Magap) promotes the development of mariculture projects to increase production of various marine species. In addition, it continues supporting tuna and dolphinfish production, which are highly productive resources for the domestic corporate sector.
Fan scallop, huayaipe, snapper, brown shell, spondylus, sea cucumber and lobster are some of the species intended to be promoted so as to strengthen food security and generate access to production systems of foods that are rich in protein and good quality.
Through this initiative, the central executive is expected to reduce malnutrition levels and diversify the production of small scale rural producers.
Deputy Minister of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Guillermo Morán, considers in this way "the cost of marine species (fish and seafood in general) will be stopped from becoming exorbitant so they can be accessible to all socioeconomic strata."
The government plan has two strategy lines:
- Traditional coastal resources that come from artisanal fisheries: a joint project with artisanal fisheries organizations will be performed to transfer technical knowledge for a period of three years from 2012;
- A legal framework will be created with clear technical rules, referred to in incentives covered by the Code of Production and directed to investments in large-scale projects aimed at the business sector intending to invest in marine species. Also its productivity potential and its respect for environmental regulations will be assessed.
For the implementation of various technical mariculture projects along the coast of Ecuador, the Magap foresees a budget of between USD 4 million and USD 6 million over two years.
From the ministry it is highlighted that mariculture not only serves to produce marine species for direct human consumption, but it also creates products for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com
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