Factors that facilitate or limit the development of bivalve mollusk aquaculture in BCS, Mexico: The small-scale producers’ perspective

Abstract

Aquaculture is the activity with the highest economic growth in the fishing sector worldwide. This activity in Baja California Sur (BCS) Mexico is at a key moment due recent upturn in production and the number of operating organizations; regarding bivalve mollusks culture (the livelihood of hundreds of families), but they are unable to stabilize their production. The purpose of this research was to determine the factors that limit/favor the development of the activity, in order to propose strategic actions to improve the situation. For this, through a survey, a political, economic, social and technological, ecological, and legal analysis (PESTEL) were integrated. Among the results stands out that 88% of the companies started activity less than a decade ago, with a higher rate of company creation in the last four years. The producer’s profile shows that they come mainly from fishing and agricultural activities, and two-thirds only have primary or secondary education. As a relevant weakness, only 22% of companies have social security for workers and their families. Environmental conditions, climate, water quality, and high product consumption stand out as favorable aspects. Among the limitations are the shortage of seeds, deficient infrastructure, marketing problems, and lack of financing programs. Within the political factors, producers demand the ordering of the sector. We conclude the need to improve government support programs, seed production, innovation process, productive and commercial articulation, crop diversification, and strengthening of the BCS oyster product network.