Peru 02 Jun 2015 00:00
Every day local men and women from Pacasmayo (Peru) spread along the shore of the town and wade into the ocean. They are collecting mococho (also called cochayuyo) seaweed. Mococho is used for Peru's traditional ceviche and also for medicine. One kilogram of mocacho is sold for 3 to 4 soles (around 1 dollar). In 2-3 hours men and women can collect between 5 and 20 kilograms. Occasionally they also catch octopuses and use them for ceviche as well.
“It’s quite an easy job and I earn enough to support my family. I spend 3 hours a day working in the ocean and then I can stay with my kids for the rest of the day,” says Claudio, 30, who is doing this job together with his brother Luis for over 15 years. “In the winter we freeze here after a couple hours in the cold water and there is significantly less mococho because of the lower temperature,” says Marilu, 47. “But I don’t complain, I like to spend time in the water,” she adds smiling.
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