"One of the great challenges in Peru, but also in many other countries in the world, is the problem of illegal, unregistered and unregulated fishing", affirmed the Secretary of State after strolling around the fish stalls at this seaside craft market in Chorrillos, a distant suburb of Lima.
"This is a growing challenge and something that is not getting the attention it deserves," he said, adding that illegal fishing does considerable economic and environmental damage.
Artisanal fisheries represent at least 67,000 fishermen in Peru and generate around $1.5 billion in annual revenue, according to official figures.
Mr. Blinken announced on this occasion the granting of aid of 18.2 million dollars to combat illegal fishing in Peru and in the neighboring country, Ecuador, within the framework of a program called "PourlaPêche ".
In the land of ceviche – Lima is also one of the best restaurants in the world – the visit of the head of American diplomacy did not go unnoticed.
Mr. Blinken chatted with local fishery officials and proud vendors to show off the catch of the day.
Nobody said the word "China" but the Asian giant was on everyone's mind, while it is regularly accused of sending fleets to fish illegally far from its coasts.
Mr. Blinken ends Friday a tour of several Latin American countries which will have taken him to Colombia, Chile and Peru where he participated in particular in the annual general assembly of the OAS, an organization which brings together the countries of the American continent from north to south.
© 2022 AFP