Brazilian aquaculture production increased 4.5 percent to 722,560 metric tons in 2018 despite the industry facing a series of stiff challenges.
The result was achieved despite a damaging national truck strike, drought affecting north and northeastern states, demand issues linked to Brazil's economic woes and increasing red tape weighing down the industry, trade body Peixe BR said.
In addition, a parasite outbreak in Amazonas, which led to some farmers halting production to deal with the problem, is cited as a main reason for a near 46 percent drop in production in the state.
