Fish as feed inputs for aquaculture: practices, sustainability and implications

Status and trends on the use of small pelagic fish species in Peru 343

FIGURE 16

Proportion of landing used for cured fish

production, 2000–2005

Source: PRODUCE (2001, 2002, 2003a, 2004, 2005, 2006a)

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Other fish

Anchoveta

Flathead grey

mullet

Jack mackerel

Chub mackerel

5.1.4 Cured fish
In 2005, 48 105 tonnes of fish were landed for the curing industry. This production
was for domestic consumption and for export. The domestic sale of 14 500 tonnes of
product (which includes that of continental origin), mainly salt-cured, resulted in an
average annual per-capita consumption of 1.1 kg.
The main species used for curing are chub mackerel, Chilean jack mackerel and
flathead mullet (Mugil cephalus) (Figure 16). However, in recent years, the anchoveta
has been used in the production of “anchoas” (anchovies), in 2005 representing almost
45 percent of the total landings
used for curing. It is important
to recognize the training and
technological transfer in the
landing ports conducted by
the ITP within the framework
of the National Training
Programs.

5.2 Characteristics of fish
consumption
5.2.1 Metropolitan
consumption
Lima, the capital of Peru,
harbours a third of Peru’s
population. The low-income
earners consider price to be
one of the main factors in their
purchase decision-making.
Pelagic species such as jack mackerel, sardine and chub mackerel are mainly consumed
usually as fresh fish. The medium- and high-income population show preference for
white fish such as the palm ruff (Seriolella violacea), Pacific bonito and humpback
smooth-hound (Mustelus whitneyi).
Marketing research studies indicate that fish is the Lima resident’s favorite meat, and
that it is considered the most nutritious. All income strata show a predisposition toward
the consumption of novel fish product forms such as frozen products, new types of
canned fish, pastes, etc. They also show a preference for anchoveta, a good tasting
species that they consider of high nutritional value. This has been taken into account
by the ITP for the development of new small-pelagic products and packaging that are
adapted to the necessities and customs of the medium- and low-income population.

5.2.2 National consumption
Peru has 27 million inhabitants, 72 percent of whom live in urban areas and
28 percent in rural areas. Annual per capita consumption of fish is 20 kg.
There is greater consumption of these resources in areas near the coast and minimal
consumption in the interior regions of the mountains and jungles of Peru.
Consumption of fresh fish occurs primarily in the coastal region of the country
(Table 14), with a per capita consumption of about 13 kg. Likewise, frozen fish is
consumed mainly along the coast and in adjacent areas where cold chain facilities are
available for distributing frozen products under satisfactory quality conditions.
Canned and cured fish products, due to their preservation characteristics, are
distributed throughout the different regions of the country, although the contribution
of these two products to per capita consumption is very low.
A quick examination of the rural populations of Peru indicates that there is a high
percentage of residents that experience problems in accessing the basic foods needed