Peru's announced goal of expanding its aquaculture sector into a world class operation by 2021 has moved from a "national" objective towards more site specific regional planning. A Regional Strategic Seafood Plan (PERP) is being crafted for the Puno district nestled against the southwestern coast of Lake Titicaca with funding in the neighborhood of US$30,000 from the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE).

The Plan for the Puno district foresees opportunities for 1000 aquaculture operators within the Titicaca basin and the nearly 300 rivers coursing through the region.

Over all, Peruvian aquaculture increased three-fold since 2003. Then the nation produced only 10,000 tons of farmed protein. Today the national production is at 40,000 tons.

The regional strategic plan promises to be all encompassing and hopes to delineate areas of contribution for the regional government, municipalities and non-governmental entities, according to Ignaio Huanacucni Cusi, head of the Regional Directorate of Production (DIREPRO).

(IFCNR has access to recirculating technology and a management team that could greatly accelerate Peru's shrimp production in a bio-secure system that would position Peru a decade in front of other aquacultural producers. For information contact IFCNR@cs.com).