AQUACULTURE

Fishery public administrations and private sector industries now accord a place of importance to aquaculture, albeit after several decades of hesitation or downright skepticism. Though for farmers in many Asian countries aquaculture has been a way of life for centuries, its status in the context of global food production, aquatic resource management and socio-economic development of rural areas remained until recently a matter of debate. The scenario has changed radically with changes in world fisheries and the spectacular success of certain types of aquaculture enterprises. Development and donor agencies now consider it a priority area, and several scientific and technical institutions are presently involved in research on a number of aspects of aquaculture. Aquaculture workshops, symposia, conferences and expositions have contributed to the recognition of some of the basic needs and problems of this new and emerging industry.

Latin-American countries have made large efforts for aquaculture development but results are still limited.

From 1972 through 1987, Mexico made coordinated and enormous investments of public money for the development of shrimp, tilapia, catfish, prawn and oyster farming.

In this section, reader may find information of these results.

EGMCONSULT started in aquaculture projects in 1970 working for the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey Guaymas Campus and The Mexico Ministry of Hydraulic Resources in farming Penaeus vannamei larvae. During a 1973 study tour to Japan EGMCONSULT visited oyster farms near Yaizu.

In september of 1973 began working for Fideicomiso para Desarrollo de Fauna Acuática, FIDEFA, (Mexico.s Aquaculture Development Trust) until 1977, and with the same goals at de Secretaria de Pesca (Mexico's Ministry of Fisheries).

Ernesto Garcia

EGMConsult