Aquaculture 4.0 is the digital revolution that is not coming to the little Mexican farmers

Aquaculture is a food production activity that aims to produce aquatic organisms. Aquaculture 4.0 is similar to Industry 4.0 concept, and the idea is to make a technological revolution. The appearance of new technologies such as robotics, data science, analytics, artificial intelligence, cognitive technologies, nanotechnology, and the Internet of Things (IoT), among others, was the start of that revolution. For this research, a review of scientific papers in aquaculture journals, databases of the Mexican government, and international institutions; information of farmers, specialty magazines, and authors’ personal experience was also utilized. The results obtained show that, in the specific case of Aquaculture, this revolution is incipient, and only the large international consortia have incorporated these new technologies into their production plans. However, most of the companies engaged in this activity have been excluded from using these new technologies, putting them at a competitive disadvantage and creating great inequality. It is essential to mention that this lack of digital technology has to do with the lack of economic resources. However, it also requires greater interest from those who operate these businesses to enter aquaculture 4.0.In conclusion, there is the technological exclusion of small farmers, and technological inclusion is necessary because production could be more efficient with positive social and economic consequences. For that, government sponsorship through universities and other academic institutions is essential. However, at the same time, local private investments must play a critical role in the development of low-cost digital technologies for aquaculture and other aquaculture production activities primary foods.