Context / Problem: Japanese oyster culture is done in Mexico (in Sonora, Sinaloa, Baja California and Baja California Sur) from the 80´s. However, grow out is plagued by low yields. This can be associated with endogamy as there are no natural populations of the species to maintain adequate population sizes, since it is a species form Asia. Additionally, the use of diploid seed for culture is also a problem, as they are fertile and grow significantly less than triploids, frequently spawning resulting in flaccid individuals.
To solve this problem, biotechnology alternatives were incorporated to improve production of the Japanese oyster in Northwest Mexico. Among them, the use of certified triploid organism. The triploid oyster marketed worldwide is known as a “biological triploid” derived from mating a tetraploid and a diploid. The competitive advantages of production, market value and financial projections were analyzed when the hatchery applies our technology package. This package includes two manuals and technical support tailored to the needs of the client.
Main competitive advantages of a selection program and triploid production implementation represent a 10% increase in final weight or height per generation based on selection, and up to 70% weight increase when comparing triploid to diploid organisms, particularly in stress environments. (see Ibarra AM, Ascencio-Michel R, Ramírez JL, et al. 2017, J. Shellfish Res. 36, 119-139). Integrating selection and biological triploid production significant results can be obtained after three generations (time varies depending of culture site and water temperature).
Markets for oysters are varied and very demanding worldwide. Production in Mexico for 2020, based on 3 species, represented 22´061,192 ton landing weight, valued at $282’823,608 million pesos. The main C. virginica producer is the state of Tabasco with 27.96%, followed by Veracruz with the same species and Nayarit with 17.83% culturing C. corteziensis. Highest value for production corresponds to Nayarit with 34.69%, while Baja California represents 19.42% and Baja California Sur 13.99%. These two with semi-intensive C. gigas culture. Live-weight production increased 2.64% from 2009 to 2018, with a peak for 2013-2014 of 25.18%. However, from 2016 to 2018 there was a marked decline in production, probably associated with persistent problems like diseases and the use of diploid seed.
The investment package proposal is for US$100,000. This shows favorable expectations. Using a hatchery with capacity for production of 30 million seed financial projections result in a NPV of US$34,482.43, an IRR of 20.18% and a recuperation time of 4 years and 2 months