Mexico’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Sectors See Growth in 2024

The National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA) announced a positive balance in the nation’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors for 2024. The results reflect the dedication of producers along the country’s coasts and align with efforts to enhance food sovereignty and sustainability.  

Preliminary figures from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Information System (SIPESCA) recorded a total production volume of over 2.03Mt as of Nov. 30, 2024. This includes 273,941Mt from aquaculture and 1,759,713Mt from capture fisheries. The economic value of this production reached MX$37.59 billion (US$1.8 billion), with aquaculture contributing MX$18.28 billion and capture fisheries MX$19.31 billion.   

Sonora led aquaculture production with 96,282Mt, followed by Sinaloa with 91,378 Mt, and Veracruz with 14,485Mt. In capture fisheries, Sonora also ranked first with 656,552Mt, followed by Baja California with 334,739Mt, and Sinaloa with 320,944Mt. 

Among aquaculture species, shrimp dominated with 273,940Mt, while sardine production led capture fisheries at 650,545Mt. Other significant species include anchoveta with 308,621Mt and tuna which accounted for 154,737Mt. 

One key achievement in 2024 was the continuation of the US export certification for shrimp. This follows a 97% compliance rate with Turtle Excluder Device (TED) requirements, verified through federal training programs involving agencies such as CONAPESCA, the Navy, and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). 

Alejandro Flores, Commissioner, CONAPESCA, emphasized ongoing efforts to combat illegal fishing through measures like a national traceability system and enhanced cooperation with state authorities for inspection and surveillance.