Analysis of the fry production of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Mexican hatcheries from 2014-2021

Abstract

An analysis of the fry production of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in aquaculture installations in Mexico from 2014 to 2021 is carried out, based on the fishing and aquaculture production registered at the national level. The production records of tilapia fry in laboratories, the volumes of annual harvests registered in the aquaculture installations that operate in the different states, and the tilapia catches registered from 2009 to 2018 were analyzed. In 2018, 168,359 t of tilapia were produced in Mexico and 127,981 t were imported, with a registered apparent national consumption of tilapia of 298,644 t. That year, 169.2 million tilapia fry were produced (Conapesca 2018). To cover the deficit of tilapia due to the importation of 127,981 t, an estimated additional production of 511.9 and 383.9 million tilapia fry is theoretically required, considering the stocking scenarios of 4 and 3 organisms to harvest one kilogram (2 organisms of 500 g in average weight), with survival during the cultivation of 50 and 66.6% and production of 7.5 - 10 t per ha, respectively. Extensive and semi-intensive tilapia production systems were analyzed for their sustainability and technical conclusions are issued to improve the use of this biological-fishery resource, which has a favorable impact on the socioeconomy of the different regions where it is cultivated.