Abstract
Aquaculture uses large volumes of water, which is generally discharged without treatment, possibly causing scarcity and contamination. A sustainable aquaculture option is biofloc technology (BFT), which recycles food residues and toxic organic and inorganic compounds from the system through microorganisms, avoiding excessive use of water and serving as natural food for cultured aquatic organisms. The aim of this study was to identify the main factors that limit a Mexican aquaculture producer from adopting biofloc technology in their aquaculture production units (APUs). Strengths and weaknesses were methodologically analyzed through 248 questionnaires, applied to fish farmers in 16 states of the country with a mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative). Findings reveal that the main obstacles in the use of BFT are due to the following: low academic level, limited administrative capacity, scarce technological equipment in facilities, diversified productive activity, and obsolete regulations. Other factors that promote the adoption of BTFs for aquaculturists are production experience, favorable weather conditions, and abundant availability of water and energy. In conclusion, the use of BTF is a sustainable option for APUs despite the limiting factors identified in this research which slow down the growth of the sector. It is advisable to study Mexican producers with BFT, in order to spread their benefits to other APUs, and further evaluate the productivity of the aquaculture sector. This study considers production aspects, and also sustainable use of its resources, specifically, surface, energy, water, and food.
Highlights
The General Law of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture regulates fishing and aquaculture activities in Mexico
The law classifies aquaculture according to its objectives as follows: (a) commercial aquaculture, applied with the purpose of obtaining economic benefits; (b) promoting aquaculture for study purposes; c) didactic aquaculture for training and teaching purposes, implying people involved in aquaculture, implemented in water bodies under federal jurisdiction; (d) industrial aquaculture, as a large-scale aquatic organism production system, with a high level of business and technological development and large capital investment of public or private origin; and (e) rural aquaculture, as a small-scale aquatic organism production system, carried out by families or small rural groups, in extensive or semi-intensive crops, for self-consumption or partial sale of surplus crops [1]
The data obtained on national aquaculture in 16 states of the Mexican Republic highlights the participation of Veracruz, Puebla, Oaxaca, Hidalgo, and Chiapas
Summary
The General Law of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture regulates fishing and aquaculture activities in Mexico. Aquaculture is defined as a set of activities aimed at controlled, pre-fattening and fattening reproduction of fauna and flora species. These activities are carried out in facilities located in fresh, marine, or brackish waters, by means of breeding or cultivation techniques, which are susceptible. The law classifies aquaculture according to its objectives as follows: (a) commercial aquaculture, applied with the purpose of obtaining economic benefits; (b) promoting aquaculture for study purposes; c) didactic aquaculture for training and teaching purposes, implying people involved in aquaculture, implemented in water bodies under federal jurisdiction; (d) industrial aquaculture, as a large-scale aquatic organism production system, with a high level of business and technological development and large capital investment of public or private origin; and (e) rural aquaculture, as a small-scale aquatic organism production system, carried out by families or small rural groups, in extensive or semi-intensive crops, for self-consumption or partial sale of surplus crops [1]. In 2016, fish harvested from aquaculture reached up to 80 million tons, estimated at a first-sale value of USD
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