Octopus maya, the main species which is likely to be cultivated. (Photo: UMDI-Sisal, UNAM)
Preparations begin to produce octopus in captivity
HONDURAS
Tuesday, March 15, 2011, 03:50 (GMT + 9)
Honduras could start producing octopus in captivity thanks to agreements being made between authorities from Mexican institutions and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG).
This was confirmed by the Deputy Minister of Livestock, Juan Carlos Ordoñez, who announced the beginning of the production of this species in Honduras. In the coming days, Mexican technicians will arrive to train national experts in a productive technique to better control the amount, size and weight of the octopus as the national and international market demands it.
The official explained that currenly in the country, octopus is produced naturally or by artisanal fleets, which is what can be found in supermarkets today, but harvesting them in captivity would result in a more efficient operation without compromising the environment.
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), through its departments, owns the patent for the production of octopus in captivity worldwide
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Octopus dish. (Photo: sag.gob.hn) |
and through agreements being signed between them and the SAG, they would have access to this technology in order to begin production.
"The country has all the conditions to start production, the octopus that is seen in restaurants or stores is small, but they are animals taken from their environment, fishing is not as easy and can be effected by mismanagement. To do so in captivity, we would have absolute control, we know from what size we can take them from the sea," said the deputy minister.
In the coming days, the agreement documents for the exploitation of the mollusc in captivity and the technical production specialist will arrive in the country.
With the agreement, they will be able to carry out studies suggesting areas for the project to be located, which will represent potential for a large amount of production for Honduras with regards to both local consumption and exports.
Related article:
- Octopus maya farming progresses in Yucatan
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