"In terms of fishing and aquaculture, the Institute have so far recorded an investment of 1.7 per cent of the gross domestic product, generated by fisheries and aquaculture, which indicates that the sector is being a well cared for resource for research," said Chief Director, National Fisheries Institute (INAPESCA), Adam Romo Raul Trujillo.
In terms of budget, he said, the Institute strongly supported an increase in the 2011 budget for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA), going from 234 million to 500 million pesos.
This 2011 budget, he added, will allow the Institute to have a research fishing vessel with seven laboratories by the end of next year, thereby preventing the exploitation of new species and facilitating the greater use of the deep-sea fishing potential of Mexico's Pacific coast.
Romo Trujillo explained that the ship will feature technology for studies and marine-biological experiments. Its latest scientific equipment, he added, will allow one to locate and assess potential fisheries resources.
For the first time in Latin America, there will be a boat that will house an interdisciplinary team of scientists from colleges in the country to further their research.
The ship will also feature a remote control operated vehicle to be used for placement, support and recovery of samples and objects, tracking of individuals; study and erection of three-dimensional profiles of the seabed, and continuous recording of images, which may be used by scientists to produce video documentaries.
Also, the boat allows for the operation of a Scientific Sonar System to capture the extent of species biomass, a Dynamic Positioning System that allows the ship to remain at a fixed point in the ocean while a sonar Multibeam System provides information on the marine and, uses lower radiated acoustic sound for silent monitoring of fish without affecting their behaviour.
It is expected that the operation of the ship will have a range of 200,000 nautical miles and the ability to remain at sea for up to 52 days, which will allow scientists to carry out exploration at depths of 500,000 meters in the Mexican territorial sea.
Other benefits generated by the operation of the ship will be the reduction of fishing effort and pressure on the coast, new investment alternatives for the productive sector and it will generate more jobs.
Investment of 50 million pesos for aquaculture infrastructure.
The INAPESCA Support Programme for Investment in Equipment and Infrastructure and the Component System Aquatic Genetic Resources, will help strengthen aquaculture production in 11 states.
The programme aims to encourage the proper management, reproduction and sustainable use of aquaculture and fisheries.
Growing Investment In Fisheries Research
MEXICO - The government has urged for greater investment in fisheries research, to help increase the production of fish from marine and aquaculture through sustainable management and development. This will ensure food supply and create more jobs in the country.
