Fish consumption in Latin America and the Caribbean will increase by 33% by 2030: FAO

The institution detailed in a study entitled "The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2018", that this situation is particularly important for the region because although it is currently an exporter Net fish and a major producer of aquaculture, with the world's lowest per capita consumption: 9.8 kilograms per year

In 2015, the region consumed only 6.2 million tons of fish, less than all other regions of the world, with the exception of Oceania. 19659002] However, the study showed that by 2030, total fish consumption is expected to increase in all regions and subregions, with significant growth in Latin America (33%), Africa ( 37%), Oceania (28%) and Asia (20%).

With respect to per capita fish consumption, the report predicts that overall it will reach 21.5 kilograms in 2030, up from 20.3 kilograms in 2016.

Per capita consumption will increase in all regions except in Africa (-2%) and the highest growth rates are forecast for Latin America (18%) and for Asia and Oceania (both with 8%).

FAO predicts that by 2030 71 percent of fish available for human consumption (184 million tonnes) will be consumed in Asian countries, while the lowest quantities will be consumed in Oceania and Latin America .

Currently, 3.8 million people work in aquaculture in Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 2% of the world total

Employment in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors aquaculture is growing moderately, while aquaculture production is growing steadily. According to the report,

Latin America and the Caribbean remain a net exporter of fish, according to the FAO

. fish, tuna, salmon and fishmeal from Ecuador, Chile and Peru increased in 2016 and again in 2017 due to higher production and rebound in food prices. tuna.

Freshwater is a major source of edible fish and provides about 40% of all fish destined for human consumption in recent years.

In at least 11 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, 20% or more of those working in capture fisheries work in inland fisheries, although inland fisheries account for only 3% of catches in the region.