In 2016 Mexico reached a seafood production of more than 1.7 million tons worth MXN 35 billion (USD 1,942 million), historical figures in the country in recent years. Of that volume, 388,000 tonnes correspond to aquaculture, an activity that is registering an average annual growth rate of 16 per cent, while the global advance is only 6 per cent.
This information was presented by the head of the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA), Mario Aguilar Sánchez, during the session of the CONAPESCA Technical Council, held in Mexico City.
Sánchez said that the fishing sector has an economic behaviour and a dynamic performance, which maintains an advance and growth of 19 per cent in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to INEGI data, without considering the aquaculture activity.
In addition, he said that in 2012, in terms of fishery production Mexico ranked 17th, according to FAO, and now it has advanced to the 16th position.
He also pointed out that octopus fishing positions the country in the third place in the world, while Mexico ranks seventh in shrimp fishing, tenth in sardine and eleventh in tuna production. However, in terms of market, the country ranks fifth in tuna processing (with 170,000 tonnes), consolidating itself as one of the most important tuna markets at international level.
As for the aquaculture sector, in which tilapia, shrimp and oysters stand out due to the volume, in the period from 2012 to 2016 their production increased by 36.7 per cent, changing from 245,000 to 388,000 tonnes, and their value doubled, changing from MXN 7,553 million (USD 419 million) in 2012 to MXN 15,968 million (USD 885.9 million) in 2016.
Reporting on the results of CONAPESCA operation during the past year, Commissioner Aguilar Sánchez noted that during this period, 4,900 fishing vessels were updated, of which 4,625 are coastal and 265 are larger-scale, generating benefits for 17,600 people engaged in the fishing activity.
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