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Email the author (Login required) Trends in bivalve aquaculture research and production in Mexico
Submited: 2024-07-11 13:12:44 | Published: 2025-04-30 20:11:45
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3856/vol53-issue2-fulltext-3302
Abstract
A review of the available studies on aquaculture research and its relationship with production was undertaken to update the status of marine bivalves in Mexico. The search included articles and theses and the situation of each species in cultivation or fishery. We found 281 studies (216 articles; 65 theses), including 8 families and 24 bivalve species (3 of them introduced), mainly concentrated in the northwest Pacific (La Paz Bay), and few studies on the Atlantic coast. The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas is the most studied and most produced, followed by the scallops Argopecten ventricosus and Nodipecten subnodosus, but without consolidated cultures. Established cultures exist for oysters Crassostrea corteziensis, C. virginica, and C. sikamea, for the mussel Mytilis galloprovincialis and the pearl oysters Pteria sterna and Pinctada mazatlanica. Commercial hatchery-spat production occurs for C. gigas, C. virginica, C. sikamea, C. corteziensis, and Chionista fluctifraga, and proven spat production protocols for A. ventricosus, N. subnodosus, Panopea generosa, and P. sterna. Hatchery protocols are at the R&D level for Atrina maura, Megapitaria squalida, and Anadara spp., with many aspects to improve even for established species, addressing problems such as slow progress in larval development for A. maura. Several native species with aquaculture potential should be studied for hatchery spat production. Extensive cultivation works well for native species such as Atrina tuberculosa, C. virginica, and C. corteziensis. Still, it must be optimized, and the official aquaculture and repopulation standards in force for more than 40 years must be respected. More information is provided in the supplementary document “List-articles-thesis-by-species.pdf”, available on request. In summary, there are conditions to improve current intensive and extensive cultures. Basic research and its technological and productive applications must be expanded to promote the cultivation of bivalves on both Mexican coasts.
