February 29, 2012

Mexico's fisheries output rises 1.6% for 2011

Mexico's production for fish was 1,646,000 tonnes in weight for 2011, a rise of 26,000 tonnes from the previous year, according to the National Fisheries and Aquaculture (CONAPESCA).

According to a preliminary closing report of national fish production for 2011, the sardine catch ranked first with a volume of 672,000, representing 41% of the national total.

The body of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) explained that the figures achieved during the 2011 season was due to factors that determined the distribution and abundance of fishery resources, and appropriate conditions in water temperature and the availability of food.

The 2011-2012 shrimp catch was also favourable, mainly in the northwest, since the total production of the species shows a significant growth of 5.5% over the previous year.

Crab production in 2011 was 176,000 tonnes, of which the catch at sea contributed 27%, with 46,000 tonnes.

The report notes that CONAPESCA comprising tuna-tuna, skipjack and bonito, are the third group of species in importance for the production and bring together 8% of total volume.

Details of the percentage share of the main species caught in 2011 states that the sardine production leads with 41% of total volume, shrimp at 11%, tuna at 8%, crappie at 4%, squid at 3%, oyster at 3% and 29% for other species.

Based on this output in 2011, SAGARPA has confirmed that the supply of seafood for the whole country is guaranteed throughout the year.