CONAPESCA Promotes Seafood Consumption During Lent Season

The National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA) has launched the Sabores de Cuaresma (Flavors of Lent) campaign to promote seafood consumption during Lent and support the local economy.

Alejandro Flores, Director, CONAPESCA, emphasizes the social and economic importance of the aquaculture and fishing sectors, which contribute to food security and nutrition in Mexico. He adds that the country’s per capita seafood consumption is about 13kg per year, though the recommended intake for adults is 16.5kg. “Seafood consumption should not be limited to Lent. Eating 400gr per week helps maintain a balanced diet," says Flores.

Verónica Lango, Director of Organization and Promotion, CONAPESCA, points out the affordability of some seafood options, with prices starting at MX$30/kg. She urges consumers to make responsible purchasing decisions by avoiding species under fishing bans to prevent overexploitation and price surges. “Diversifying consumption is key. Besides red snapper, shrimp, octopus, and oysters, there are other options like sierra, corvina, sardines, jurel, catfish, and tilapia,” she says.

The campaign will include recipes for simple and affordable seafood dishes, published on CONAPESCA’s social media every Friday during Lent. A free digital recipe book will also be made available on the agency’s official website, along with infographics on lesser-known species and their nutritional value.

The seafood industry directly employs 300,000 people and generates nearly one million indirect jobs in Mexico. Aquaculture accounts for more than 30% of the country’s total seafood production. From Jan. 1 to Feb. 15, 2025, Mexico recorded a seafood catch production of nearly 177 million kg, while aquaculture production reached more than 11 million kg.