Status of molluscan aquaculture on the Pacific coast of Mexico

Abstract

The Mexican Pacific coastline is 7,165 km long and has 932,365 ha (2.3 million acres) of coastal logoons and estuaries which support many populations of commercially important molluscs. Only 29 of the 67 identified species are intensively exploited along their whole distribution range. Most bivalves are quite expensive in local Mexican markets; prices range from 5 to 20 pesos (5 to 20 U.S. cents) each or 200 to 400 pesos (2 to 4 U.S. dollars) per kilo of scallop adductor muscle and pen shell or snail flesh. Although mollusc production has been steadily rising in the last 10 years, stocks are constantly being depleted and previously overlooked species are being exploited. This inefficient exploitation is a result of inadequate knowledge of molluscan biology and inapproriate regulation which together make it difficult to advise fishermen on wise stock management. Very little is known about the biology and ecology of indigenous species, and this lack of information has been a major limitation on efforts to develop commercial cultures of these species. Although a few commercial enterprises have successfully introduced the Japanese oyster, seed hatcheries are being established. There is also a government mangrove oyster seed hatchery in operation; this hatchery supports the only native species culture.