Aline Beckestein
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Rio - The minister of the Secretariat of Aquiculture and Fishing, José Fritsch, said that average fish consumption has increased in Brazil. Two years ago the average was around 6.8 kilograms per year; it currently stands at 8 kilograms. "Despite the increase, we are still below the global average of 15 kilograms and the 12 kilograms recommended by the World Health Organization," he affirmed.

Yesterday (20), Fritsch inaugurated National Fish Week in Rio de Janeiro. For the third year in a row, supermarkets are selling fish at discounts of up to 30%. The partnership between the Secretariat and the Brazilian Supermarket Association (Abras) is aimed at cultivating the habit of consuming fish among Brazilians.

"People who make less can buy cheaper varieties, such as sardines, which are extremely healthful. As the demand for fish grows, prices will end up falling," the minister said.

According to Fritsch, the reason that supermarkets were selected to participate in the Week is to try to increase the quantity of fish sold there. "When I assumed office, fish sales in supermarkets amounted to less than 1% of their sales. This figure has now risen to 4%."

The minister also commented that credit for the construction of deep-sea fishing vessels is another important step to expand the country's fishing sector, which accounts for only 1% of the world market.

According to Fritsch, Brazil currently produces 1.5 million tons of fish annually. 30% of this production is exported, an activity that has gained in prominence, due mainly to shrimp and fish bred in fresh water.

Translation: David Silberstein.