LIMA, July 25 (BERNAMA-NNN-ANDINA) — Fishing in Peruvian waters and in the rest of the world has remained stable over the last decade and on the basis of a sustainable fisheries management, it is not expected to change.

Meanwhile, the population growth and income level rise has led to an increased demand for fish products.

As a result of this situation, the price of fish has risen at national and global level in recent years, although significantly less in Peru, according to a report issued by consultancy Macroconsult.

“The average family income increased in the last five years by 21 percent and would be pressing food demand and prices with relatively stable supply,” explains Elmer Cuba, managing partner of the consulting firm.

“However, in our country the increase in fish prices has been well below the global average,” he added at a breakfast meeting organized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the National Fisheries Society (SNP).

Website FIS.com reported him saying that real fish prices have risen in recent years “due to the increase in household income and because the supply of fish is limited.” For this reason, “to meet an increased future demand and a stable marine supply, governments’ efforts to boost their aquaculture are important.” The economist explained that from 2003 to 2012 fish landings for human consumption (as frozen, cured, fresh and canned food — without considering the squid) did not fall and they have even presented a slightly positive trend.

Anyway, he said that in the first four months of 2013 fish unloading for human consumption dropped by 18 percent over the same period of 2012.

— BERNAMA-NNN-ANDINA