Introduction to Aquaculture in Mexico
Aquaculture plays a crucial role in Mexico’s agri-food sector, contributing to over 1.9 million tons of combined fisheries and aquaculture production, generating an economic value of more than 22.4 billion pesos solely from aquaculture (Conapesca, latest data).
This sector encompasses the production of organisms for human consumption and specialized ornamental cultivation.
Ornamental Fish: A Growing Industry
According to the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Chart, ornamental freshwater fish fall under commercial aquaculture. This sector has evolved with standardized technologies and extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive cultivation systems, making it a strategic productive alternative due to its high added value and low environmental impact.
Mexico’s Ornamental Fish Production
Ornamental fish production in Mexico has fostered regional development by creating jobs and income, particularly in rural areas. The leading producing states are Morelos, Veracruz, Yucatan, the State of Mexico, and Jalisco.
Morelos and Jalisco are the major producers of species, identified as Ornamental Fish Production Systems in Mexico.
Morelos: A Leading Ornamental Fish Producer
Ornamental fish production in Morelos began three decades ago, with around 200 Units of Aquaculture Production (UPAs) spread across 17 out of the state’s 36 municipalities. These UPAs produce approximately 17 million organisms annually from 61 varieties belonging to 19 species (Conapesca).
Morelos’ sustained growth in this activity has established it as the leading ornamental fish producer nationally, with municipalities like Ayala commercializing over 30 million organisms annually from more than a hundred distinct varieties, including Japanese, zebra, moninesia, guppy, and conidora fish (Gil et al., 2023).
The latest inventory by the Morelos State Aquaculture Health Committee (CESAEM, 2025) reports 330 UPAs dedicated to ornamental fish and 189 focused on human consumption, highlighting its significance in the sector.
Gender Participation in Aquaculture
Morelos has 776 aquaculture producers, with 581 men (74.9%) and 195 women (25.1%), reflecting the growing participation of women in the sector.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its potential, limited access to financing remains a significant challenge for the growth and consolidation of this activity. It restricts investments in infrastructure, inputs, and technologies that could enhance its competitiveness.
Another factor influencing access to financing is the lack of real estate collateral, as most land ownership is ejidal and/or communal.
FIRA’s Role in Facilitating Financing
In this context, FIRA’s strategy, a fideicomiso created by the Bank of Mexico to facilitate financing for various productive activities, has been instrumental through programs supporting the fishing and rural sectors. These initiatives include:
- The Family Agriculture Program (Proaf)
- The Special Financing Program for the Prioritized Population
- The Development of Suppliers Program (PDP)
These initiatives enable both men and women, regardless of their production unit size, to formally integrate into the ornamental fish value chain, promoting financial inclusion.
Benefits of Ornamental Fish Aquaculture
Aquaculture presents an economic alternative, as it can be conducted year-round compared to agriculture in Morelos, where the most significant cycle is spring-summer.
Beyond financing, ornamental fish aquaculture strengthens women’s economic autonomy, generates rural employment, and encourages sustainable practices aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under Agenda 2030.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the significance of ornamental fish aquaculture in Mexico? A: Ornamental fish aquaculture is a crucial sector in Mexico’s agri-food industry, contributing significantly to the country’s economy and providing rural employment opportunities.
- Q: What challenges does this sector face? A: Limited access to financing and the lack of real estate collateral are major challenges, restricting investments in infrastructure, inputs, and technologies.
- Q: How does FIRA support this sector? A: Through various programs, FIRA facilitates financing access for both men and women in the ornamental fish aquaculture sector, promoting financial inclusion.
- Q: What benefits does ornamental fish aquaculture bring? A: This sector strengthens women’s economic autonomy, generates rural employment, and encourages sustainable practices aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
