May 24, 2011

Mexico's aquaculture to grow 30% in 2012

Based on the level of development in the aquaculture sector, Mexico can grow up to 30% by 2012 and reach production of 325,000 tonnes.

Aquaculture is the second fastest growing economic sector globally, just below the field of information technology.

The marine wealth of over 11,000 km of coastline and inland waters has allowed Mexico to be in 16th place in global fisheries production and placed it as a nation with great potential for aquaculture development and mariculture.

Mexico's aquaculture reached 285,000 tonnes in 2010, and has grown by approximately 3,000 commercial fish farms with a total of over 10,000 productive units.

Aquaculture in Mexico has established itself as a source of food, specifically the production of trout, catfish, tilapia, shrimp, scallops, octopus and conch, and other species. Industrial food companies are located mainly in Baja California, Baja California Sur and Sonora, major fish-producing regions.