Tilapia: Quintana Roo’s Answer to Sustainable Seafood Crisis

Cancún, Mexico — In a context where illegal fishing and overexploitation threaten marine ecosystems, farmed tilapia from Quintana Roo has emerged as a viable, local, and responsible alternative, according to José Roberto Velarde Sánchez, manager of the company Pesca Pacífico. He made the remarks during the 1st Sustainable Fishing Conference.

Half of Mexico’s Fishing Industry Operates Illegally

Velarde Sánchez detailed that at least half of Mexico’s fishing industry operates illegally, meaning that statistically, five out of every ten seafood dishes served in restaurants could contain species under fishing bans or caught without regulation.

“Right now, tilapia is rustic and artisanal, but it’s here, it’s local, and it has the potential to grow in production and quality,” he explained. “Compared to imported products like Chinese tilapia, which often contains up to 50% water when thawed, tilapia from Quintana Roo offers better yield, freshness, and economic benefits for local producers.”

Aquaculture in Quintana Roo: A Nascent Industry

Aquaculture in Quintana Roo remains in its early stages, with modest and artisanal operations, particularly in areas such as Othón P. Blanco, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, and Leona Vicario. The predominant species is tilapia, a freshwater fish traditionally associated with rural and low-tech production but now seen as a clear opportunity for sustainable aquaculture development in the region.

Consumer Preferences and Chef Resistance Pose Challenges

One of the main obstacles for tilapia to gain traction in hotel and restaurant menus is consumer preference and chef reluctance.

“Hotels don’t buy it because chefs don’t want to work with it,” Velarde Sánchez noted. “Customers ask for snapper or grouper, not tilapia. But often, those fish are under fishing bans, and restaurants prefer to violate regulations rather than say, ‘We don’t have it.’”

Education Key to Expanding Aquaculture

The growth of aquaculture also depends on training new generations, with local universities such as the Universidad del Caribe, which hosted the event, playing a crucial role in promoting aquaculture specializations.

The push for sustainable alternatives comes as Mexico grapples with the environmental and economic consequences of illegal and unregulated fishing practices.