Brasília - Fish is a very big business worth some US$60 billion annually around the world. Brazil has less than 1% of that market - about US$400 million. So, the Special Secretariat for
Aquaculture and Fish (SEAP) is doing something about it. They have joined forces with the supermarket association (Abras) and are promoting "Fish Week."

The World Health Organization reports that eating fish is good for you. Fish fortifies the bones and the immunological system. It can reduce the chances of getting high blood pressure, Alzheimer disease, cancer, arteriosclerosis, schizophrenia, depression, premature births and diabetes, among other things.

The campaign will take place not only in supermarkets, but in street fairs, shopping centers, tourist locations and even in public schools. Many fish products will be sold at up to 40% off the regular price.

Guilherme Crispim of SEAP reports that annual Brazilian per capita consumption of fish was 6.8 kilos in 2002, and has been rising around 5% annually, but remains below the WHO recommendation of 12 kilos annually. Crispim says that with the campaign giving things a boost, Brazil may reach the WHO recommended level by 2007.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Saulo Moreno
Translator: Allen Bennett
09/21/2004