WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEPTEMBER 2014 7 In Mexico, food is a priority issue. On one hand there is a malnutrition problem prevailing in the extremely poor segment of the population, on the other there is a huge obesity problem. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has named Mexico the most obese country in the world, with the incidence of obesity over 30 percent, with 80 million Mexicans being overweight or obese. This situation could be partially offset by a substantial increase in the consumption of fish and shellfish that, unlike other plant and animal products, are the main source of omega-3 fatty acids. This means their consumption contributes to reduce the risk of problems associated with obesity, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Mexico has a vast territorial sea, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Due to its varied climate and diverse geography, the country has the potential to grow many species of fish, shellfish and crustaceans. Aquaculture is one of the activities with great potential in Mexico because it brings social and economic benefits and constitutes a source of nutritious, low-cost food for the population. However, this development has been and continues to be inadequate, as about 80 percent of the crops in the country are produced extensively and have low production performance. Freshwater aquaculture is the most developed sector, along with a few marine species. There is greater development of exotic species compared to native species. Tilapia is among the most successful extensively produced Status and Challenges of MEXICAN AQUACULTURE crops, representing about 60 percent of national production. It has been introduced to several water bodies in many parts of the country and there is a large market demand for this species. A substantial increase in tilapia production in Mexico is anticipated, with 20,000 tons projected by 2020. The main cultured species is shrimp and its importance is huge in terms of economic value, especially in the northwest part of the country, where brown shrimp Penaeus californiensis and white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei are produced using sophisticated techniques and have become export-quality products. Aquaculture of shellfish has also evolved, with success in the culture of mussels, abalone and oysters. There is an enormous potential for shellfish aquaculture, particularly of oysters (currently at 4,000 tons/year). Research and experimental cultures of other molluscan species have been attempted, mainly on clams, scallops, lion’s paw and mother of pearl. Mexico also has high potential for marine fish farming because of the diversity of existing species and the preference of consumers for marine species. International Context In recent years, globalization, population growth and climate change have promoted the development of aquaculture. Such growth is considered in the National Development Plan (PND), which elaborates the conditions necessary for Mexico to be at the forefront LEFT. Tilapia production in Mexico. RIGHT. Dead shrimp from an EMS outbreak in 2013. Extensive shrimp production in Sonora. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)
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