Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Q.R. — Puerto Morelos is looking to the state and federal governments for funding to expand its municipal fish farm. Last year, the municipality produced 40 tons of fish through its aquaculture program.
Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz says support is being sought from state and federal authorities to give the program a greater boost. She says they are looking for financial support to launch programs and provide aid that stimulates production.
“The activity receives support from the municipal administration not only because of its importance to the family economy, but also because it is an option to diversify productive activity and generate jobs,” she said.
Mayor Blanca Merari said the fish produced last year were destined mostly for the local market and neighboring municipalities. She said that the Directorate of Agricultural and Fisheries Development is implementing actions to increase production to meet the demand.
Manuel Góngora Sansores, the Director of Agricultural and Fisheries Development, pointed out that it is important to give greater impetus to the activity with programs, support and technical assistance.
“We are evaluating the proper treatment of the water which must circulate permanently in the tanks to avoid variations in the pH of the water and the appearance of bacteria that limit fish production,” he explained.
He said that there are 11 independent producers and two registered in the National Registry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (RNPA), mandatory for individuals and legal entities engaged in fishing and aquaculture activities, who are participating in the activity.
“We will soon begin meetings with state and federal authorities to establish the program guidelines. To start, in the coming days the Secretariat of Agricultural, Rural and Fisheries Development will offer a course on Financing for agricultural producers, fishermen and aquaculture farmers so they can learn about options for obtaining capital,” he said.
Sansores agreed that fish farming is important for the municipal administration because it complements traditional fishing and generates income for families.
Currently, Puerto Morelos fish farmers are producing gray and red tilapia in two production cycles per year.
