Octopus maya. (Photo: Luis Eustaquio)
Mexico becomes the third octopus producer worldwide
MEXICO
Wednesday, May 17, 2017, 00:20 (GMT + 9)
Octopus production increased in Mexico by 14,038 tonnes between 2013 and 2016, or 56 per cent, and its value increased by 91 per cent, from MXN 648 million to MXN 1,236 million (USD 34.6 million to USD 66 million) in the last three years.
According to the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission (CONAPESCA), the country's high octopus production and good marketing systems have placed Mexico as the third largest producer of this cephalopod.
The fishery is mainly focused on two species: Octopus maya, called Mexican four-eyed octopus, and Octopus vulgaris or common octopus, which are found on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Its production comprises 95 per cent in only three states of the country: Yucatan, Campeche and Baja California, with 27,035; 9,460 and 819 tonnes, respectively.
In terms of exports, in 2016, 10,801 tonnes were shipped abroad, with an international market value of USD 57 million, mainly in countries such as Spain, Italy and the United States. In the same year, 286 tonnes of octopus were imported for almost USD 1.5 million, from Spain, Peru and the Philippines.
editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media
|