20 SEPTEMBER 2017 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG tilapia was the flagship of many programs that aimed to develop aquaculture but were ultimately unsuccessful. These programs tried to grow tilapia in 6-m diameter plastic tanks without aeration. Unfortunately, there was a lack of technical expertise and training provided and most farms were designed to produce at levels less than the breakeven point and thus most failed in their purpose. Things have changed and small producers have learned their lesson and are a lot more organized, trained and prepared. Very large commercial operations have been established in Mexico, in Sonora and Chiapas states, or are in the process of starting operation, like La Noria in Michoacán state. Tilapia aquaculture is booming and there is a huge potential market because Mexico imports more than 100,000 t of whitefish fillets. The country needs to improve its competitiveness and then start replacing imports – easier said than done. Catfish and Trout Two other freshwater species worth mentioning are catfish and trout. There are not big volumes of either species produced (5,000 t/yr catfish, 7,000 t/yr trout) but the organization and achievements of the producers are noteable. Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus has been cultured in Mexico in ponds and cages for decades, mainly in the states of Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Puebla and Chiapas. It is the species best suited to conditions in most of northern Mexico and could expand considerably. The few producers nationwide are well organized, processing and marketing their fish as a group as well as adding value from processing byproducts, mainly collagen for cosmetics. They have successfully produced hybrid (channel × blue) catfish and are looking for opportunities to expand. The future of these entrepreneurs is bright, especially if they forge strategic alliances with foreign investors. Trout was the first fish species to develop commercially in Mexico and has been a success for a couple of generations. Current producers are the sons and sometimes grandsons of the original entrepreneurs. Although business is good, there are not many areas to grow because Mexico is a mostly tropical country and trout is produced mainly in mountainous areas with the limited number of available coldwater springs. Trout are produced using raceways, mainly in the states of Michoacan, Puebla, Veracruz and Chihuahua. Trout producers have followed the strategy of making the most of their product. The quality of the fish, fillets, marinades, pates and smoked products is world class. They are a good example of how an industry can develop with training and willpower, and they are a great example to follow. Offshore Aquaculture There have been articles in World Aquaculture, specifically the recent article by Lorenzo Juarez (Dec 2016), that have provided a great overview of offshore aquaculture in Mexico. Although all operations in Mexico are currently in a consolidation phase, Mexico is a world leader in offshore aquaculture, as the vision and technologies Trout eggs, Puebla. Trout farming in central Mexico. Trout raceways, Atlimeyaya, Puebla.
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