Aquaculture extension services: an urgent necessity

Abstract

The growing global demand for food has positioned aquaculture as a key activity for food security. In this context, aquaculture extension —understood as technical support and knowledge transfer to producers— takes on great importance. Its purpose is to support small-scale producers in becoming self-sufficient. This activity faces limitations due to the lack of specific public policies, scarce resources, and mistrust on the part of producers. In Mexico, extension services have been based on the US model, evolving toward a multifunctional approach that considers social, political, economic, and environmental dimensions. Despite its potential, aquaculture extension is still in its infancy and is generally merged with agricultural extension, which has hampered its specific development and effectiveness. Challenges include limited technological infrastructure, producers' lack of knowledge of fundamental technical aspects, and low investment in applied research. In addition, a lack of trust in extension workers, coupled with the poor adaptation of knowledge to the real conditions of producers, prevents a true conversion of knowledge into productivity. It is concluded that extension services must be professional, adapted to the local context, and supported by public policies and investment in research. Only then will it be possible to harness Mexico's aquaculture potential sustainably, promoting innovation, profitability, and well-being for rural communities.