APPENDIX IV APPENDIX IV 
The value of each major species, except oysters, 
increased substantially between 1969 and 1973. Herring 
increased by over 350 percent, tuna by over 100 percent, 
redfish by over 90 percent, and shrimp by over 70 percent. 
The value of oysters declined by 39 percent. Value of the 
total harvest increased by 94 percent and value of the 
principal species increased by 79 percent. 
PROCESSING FACILITIES 
In 1971 a quasi-government corporation was formed to 
improve the fishing industry by coordinating the operations 
of processing plants and fishing companies. Recently 
there have also been several improvements in processing 
facilities. The success of these efforts is reflected in 
a strong trend toward domestic production of fish meal. 
In 1973 the Port of Alvarado--a major processing port-- 
was being modernized resulting in an increase in fishing 
vessels=-13 in 1970 to 57. imrpd973-—supplying this posievs 
processing facilities. Other examples of improvements in 
processing since 1970 follow: 
--The private sector of the fishing industry con- 
structed a modern canning plant costing over $4 
million. 
--New processing techniques have made it possible to 
process fish meal on vessels at sea. 
--Thirty technical fishery schools with processing 
laboratories were established to provide a trained 
labor force for the fishing industry. 
DOMESTIC USE OF FISH PRODUCTS 
In 1973 two-thirds of Mexico's fish products were used 
for food and the remainder was primarily used for fish 
meal. Per capita fish consumption increased by 29 percent 
between 1969 and 1973; however, fish continues to be a 
small part of the Mexican diet. In 1973 per capita consump- 
tion was 9.9 pounds. As the following table shows, fresh 
fish was the primary type of seafood consumed. 
Fish products Percent of total 
Fresh 56 
Frozen 20 
Canned 18 
Cured 6 
100 
329 
