October 17, 2012
Mexico's aquaculture output on the rise for 2012
Mexico's aquaculture production has reached about 300,000 tonnes in 2012, a rise from 240,000 in 2011.
He said that while capture production levels remain stable, aquaculture production has increased worldwide in recent years, becoming the fastest growing economic activity in Mexico.
CONAPESCA reported that while capture production can not grow, due to sustainability issues, last year sardine production reached 800,000 tonnes, more than half of national fish production.
The total production of capture in Mexico last year reached 1.4 million tonnes, while aquaculture contributed almost 300,000 tonnes of production.
Corral Ãvila also spoke about the challenges of food security. He said that to support the efforts and goals of the United Nations Organisation for Food and Agriculture (FAO), Mexico has promoted smallholder aquaculture activities.
In Chiapas, CONAPESCA invested US$120 million in two aquaculture projects. In Lake Chapala, a catfish mariculture project, which is expected to generate 25,000 tonnes, was set up.
As for the challenges in inspection and surveillance, there has been a huge growth in awareness.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo Sanchez Mujica, Director General of the Trust Funds to Agriculture (FIRA), spoke of the momentum of funding being given to fisheries and aquaculture.
The owner of FIRA said there is great support for aquaculture conversion (switch from fishing to aquaculture). He said that 80% of the support is given to aquaculture and the remaining 20% to fishing.
Mujica Sanchez stressed the importance of supporting projects in all processes from technological development, planting, capture, marketing, before being transported. He said that in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, projects funded replacement engines which support not only the productive part of the fisherman, but also the environment, as these new engines cleaner and environmentally friendly.
This year, he said, is expected to end with a figure of five billion dollars in funding for employees, aquaculture and fisheries, 30% more than last year.
