International organizations consider aquaculture and mariculture as key activities to guarantee food production in the future. In this context, the participation of Yucatecan women in their development is increasingly relevant, said the specialist of the Peninsular Center for Humanities and Social Sciences (Cephcis) of the UNAM, Miguel Ángel Valenzuela Jiménez.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) highlights that mariculture can be a response to sustainable food production. In Yucatan, this activity has been gaining relevance gradually but steadily.
Although traditionally mariculture has been dominated by men, in fish farms the presence of women aquaculturists has grown notably. In addition to participating in production, many women have ventured into logistics, mobilization, and marketing of aquaculture products.
Currently, there are an estimated 2,000 aquaculture farmers in the state, with nearly 50% of them women. In terms of infrastructure, there are approximately 450 aquaculture farms in operation, of which between 25 and 30 already have established production of various species.
One of the most successful farms in Yucatán is tilapia, thanks to the favorable water and climate conditions. However, other alternatives are under development. Research centers such as Cinvestav Mérida and the Marista University have promoted the farming of species such as shrimp, canané, octopus, and grouper.
Pilot projects are exploring the farming of sea bass, sea bass, and snapper, with the goal of diversifying production on farms and in estuaries. UNAM is committed to diversification and the farming of marine species that can adapt to freshwaters, such as sea bass and shrimp, using already available technology and production methods.
