The reservoirs of hydroelectric plants have potential that goes beyond energy generation. Its dams can be used to produce fish and, in doing so, generate jobs and ensure more protein on Brazilians’ tables.
Based on this premise, and with the aim of discussing the strategic use of these reservoirs, the Development of Aquaculture in Synergy with the Electric Sector workshop began this Wednesday (6), an event that is the result of a partnership between two ministries: Mines and Energy and Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Brasília (DF), 11/06/2024 – The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, André de Paula and the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, during the signing ceremony of the National Pact for the Sustainable Development of Aquaculture and Energy in Reservoirs. Photo: José Cruz/Agência Brasil – José Cruz/Agência Brasil
The idea is to reconcile energy production and sustainable aquaculture development, focusing on three pillars: energy security, increased fish production and job creation. According to the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, the expectation is to use 74 reservoirs.
Fighting hunger
“We are going to increase food production in the reservoirs of our hydroelectric plants. This is a true energy transition carried out in a fair and inclusive way. It is another result of the global alliance to combat hunger that we have strengthened so much in the G-20 [grupo formado pelas 20 maiores economias do planeta]”, said Silveira, during the opening of the workshop that will bring together experts from public institutions, the aquaculture sector and the energy sector.
In the assessment of the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, André de Paula, the initiative – which is based on the guidelines of the National Policy for the Sustainable Development of Aquaculture and Fisheries, the National Electric Energy Policy and the Recovery Plan for Reservoirs Regularization of the Country – meets one of the Lula government’s priorities, which is the fight against hunger.
“If there is one animal protein sector that continues to grow with impressive results, it is aquaculture. And, in a special way, fish farming. In this set, the central star; the crown jewel is the Brazilian tilapia”, said André de Paula, remembering that there is also great potential for fish production on the Brazilian coast, with more than 8 thousand kilometers.
The technical agreement signed by the two ministries will result in “fried fish, moqueca, stew and roasted fish on our people’s tables”, highlighted Alexandre Silveira.
Among the topics covered during the workshop are: aquaculture in Union waters; environmental licensing of aquaculture and use of permanent preservation areas in reservoirs; and the interaction between the operation of reservoirs and fishing activity.
