Ecuadorian seafood exports grew by 14.8% during the first half of 2019 compared to 2018.

Govt presents fisheries bill to modernize legislation in force since 1974

ECUADOR
Friday, August 16, 2019, 22:10 (GMT + 9)

The National Government, through the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investment and Fisheries (MPCEIP) will deliver this Friday, August 16 to the National Assembly the Project of "Organic Law of Fisheries and Aquaculture", which for the first time in 45 years will modernize the fisheries sector and regulate the development of previously relegated sectors such as marine farming, fish farrming and aquaculture.

The tuna canning industry is a very important industry ►

The new law aims to modernize and establish clear rules in fisheries legislation in force since 1974.

Within the aquaculture sector is included the shrimp, high-employment sector and main export product of the country. Its exports during the first half of 2019 grew by 14.8% compared to 2018.

The purpose of the proposal is the responsible and sustainable use of aquatic species through research and technological innovation, which ensures food sovereignty, wealth generation, employment for the country, national consumption of quality products and greater export to international markets. In addition, it seeks to discourage illegal and unregulated fishing by aligning with international conventions signed and ratified by the country.

Shrimp packers use a lot of labor because the final work must be done manually. (Photo: Stock File)

The Bill contains 165 articles, 2 general provisions, 10 transitory provisions, 7 reform provisions, 1 repealing provision and 1 final provision. The fisheries industry has a high production chain, generating more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.

This bill has the backing of international organizations. Both the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and DG MARE, the European Union's policy direction on maritime affairs and fisheries, reviewed the bill sharing their experiences in good practices to benefit the producer and improve access to international markets.

Fish products and its derivatives are among the five main export products to the European Union.

Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries, Iván Ontaneda Berrú held various meetings with fishing and tuna businessmen in the country, strengthening public and private articulation in favor of an environmentally sustainable and socially sustainable sector, prevailing for productive transformation in the country.

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