Mexican Bluefin Tuna Farming Volume Back On Trackff
6 July 2011
Mexico Source: Ensenada Although the market for bluefin tuna remained low in 2009 due to the global economic downturn, it has been recovering in the meantime and the Ensenada bluefin tuna farming industry has good expectations for 2011.
Jerome Ramos President of the Association of Tuna Farms stated that even though there are fewer companies active in Baja California, those that are operating in the area are capable of maintaining the same production volume.
Within two years, tuna farming in Baja California has increased in technology, volume and value.
At the same time, the companies that ceased farming operations generated a synergy with those that continued this activity through a related business of mutual support such as boat rentals, equipment supply, repairs, etc. This has enabled the remaining companies to strengthen and develop technologically; consequently making it possible for the tuna industry to continue producing 4,000 tons in 2011, even with less companies.
According to Ramos, this synergy of mutual support with companies indirectly related to the bluefin tuna farming is not the only reason for the positive results. Also, he said, “we use to had tuna stay at the fattening farms for a period of 6 to 8 months. Now we are keeping the tuna in the farms for as long as 2 or 3 years. This longer fattening period gives us the advantage to sell the fish when the market demand and prices are at their highest.â€
“Furthermore, there hasbeen a decrease in global tuna supply due to the problems in the Mediterranean Sea, in Turkey and in Libya. Catches and supply there have declined compared to last year. While in Baja California, catch levels have remained the same with sufficient product to supply the international marketâ€.
