LIMA: Peru’s Association of Exporters has revealed that aquaculture exports from the country amounted to $130.4 million in the January-July period, reports Andina. Shrimp were the most exported seafood, accounting for 68% of total exports ($88.4m). Scallops exports were the second-highest in value, at $29.7m, accounting for 23% of the total. However, shipments experienced a sharp drop of 46% due to the high mortality rate resulting from changes in temperature associated with El Nino.
A total of 1,616 metric tons were exported during the period, while shipments totaled 4,642t in January-July 2015. On the other hand, trout exports saw a 48.3% growth to $10.9m. Tilapia and paiche (arapaima gigas) shipments declined by 38.2% and 24.7%, respectively.
The chairperson of ADEX Fisheries and Aquaculture Committee, Henry Quiroz, said he was confident the government would soon implement measures it has announced to promote a recovery. He also welcomed the government’s decision to resume the work of the Aquaculture Executive Bureau, which brings public and private sectors together to seek strategies and actions that boost the sector’s development.