Source: El Observador Diario
The sustainable management in the country’s fishery sector last year generated a productivity of 1.6 million tons of fish and shellfish, of which 131,000 tons concerned various tuna species, with a value of 5,500 million pesos (USD 413 million) in the Mexican market, according to the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA).
The national commission said that during 2010, exports of tuna accounted for only 4.2 percent of the 131,000 tons national tuna production. This represents 5,521 tons with a value of USD 26.3 million.
CONAPESCA also mentioned that, although Mexican tuna had not had access to the international markets for many years, during the current federal administration the availability of the species increased by 5 percent; furthermore, the industry diversified with new presentations and there was a growth in the consumption of fresh produce.
Figures from the United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture (FAO) show that Mexico ranks 12th place in world tuna production.
In this regard, the tuna industry indicates that the favorable solution to the dispute with the U.S. on the ‘dolphin safe’ label would benefit the sector with a significant increase in Mexican exports of up to USD 100 million, in addition to more jobs, which currently amount to over 10,000.
Mexico within the world standards
Under international standards, Mexico holds one of the most important positions in the responsible and sustainable exploitation of tuna fishery, since it complies fully with management measures.
In the country, the current tuna consumption per capita is estimated at about 1.25 kilograms, which places Mexico in the top 10 nations with the highest consumption of the species.
The tuna that is caught on the coast of Mexico is considered a marine species of exquisite taste and valuable nutritional properties. These characteristics have generated its strong demand for domestic consumption, mostly canned, as well as fresh or smoked.
The majority of the Mexican tuna industry is located on the Pacific coast, mainly in the states of Sinaloa, Colima, Chiapas and Baja California, which together provide 95 percent of the total production.
The Mexican tuna fishery consists of four tuna varieties: yellowfin, bluefin, bigeye and albacore or white tuna. Yellowfin tuna has the largest share; its catches represent 90 percent of total annual tuna fishery.