Characterization of low-cost aquaculture systems in three municipalities of the mountainous region of Veracruz, Mexico

Objective: To characterize small-scale aquaculture systems and identify their key productive, technical, commercial, and social conditions in three municipalities of the mountainous region of Veracruz. Design/methodology/approach: A survey was conducted on eight aquaculture farms using the snowball sampling technique. The questionnaire was structured in two phases: the first collected general information about the interviewees, whereas the second focused on obtaining information regarding the production systems and the implementation of Good Management Practices (GMP) in aquaculture. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, specifically absolute frequencies and percentages, with the Microsoft 365 software package. Results: In the mountainous region of Veracruz, semi-intensive systems predominate for the production of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), with male (62.5%) and female (37.5%) participation. Aquaculture is integrated as a complementary activity to conventional agricultural practices. Farms with less than five years of operation exhibited limitations in technical knowledge, insufficient water quality monitoring, and a lack of production records and sanitary practices. Despite the government support received by more than 50% of producers, production levels ranged from 50 to 1,000 kg per cycle, with an average fish weight of 500 ± 265 g. Production was intended for both household consumption (0.5–5 kg/week/family) and commercialization. Limitations on study/implications: Survey implementation was limited within the mountainous region; therefore, applying the instrument to a larger number of aquaculture farms and/or producers would provide a more comprehensive characterization of these production systems. Findings/conclusions: Aquaculture systems in the mountainous region of Veracruz constitute an emerging activity that is highly accepted among small-scale producers because of their contribution to the availability of animal protein within local communities. However, continuous technical training is required to enhance sustainability, production efficiency, and integration with complementary production systems such as aquaponics.