In this paper, a systematic literature review on the impact of fisheries on the economy and the application of the computable general equilibrium (CGE) and input–output (IO) methods for assessing this impact is conducted. The importance of fisheries as a food source, the over exploitation of this resource, and, consequently, the impact of fisheries on the economy are the motivations behind this study. By reviewing the applications of two of the most common economic modelling tools, we aim to shine light on the state of the art and how the impact of fisheries on the economy has been addressed in the literature. In this analysis, three main themes of socio-economic, ecological, and environmental have been identified, and the application of these methods in each theme has been considered. The results show that while IO methods continue to be applied in the literature, the CGE method has experienced increased application recently, and future applications are anticipated due to its enhanced capabilities in comparison with IO models.

: The objective of this paper was to demonstrate that the promotion of aquaculture clusters as a policy option for developing tilapia aquaculture in Mexico, resulting from glocal externalities as competitive advantages to the global market, is necessary to further develop the sector. The farmed tilapia clusters were described using data from the Veracruz Aquaculture Census, 2010. We then utilise three theories. Firstly, we focus on North (1955) and Krugman (1995) and find that Economic geography and localisation verified that conglomeration is a function of natural resources and population zones. Secondly, we investigate the Porter value system. Cluster competitive advantage was identified in water availability and water access, electric supply coverage, product presentation, and the local market. Thirdly, we apply the Altenburg and Meyer-Stamer (1999) model to identify cluster type, which classifies typology based on natural resource access and the inputs and technologies commercial balance. The Veracruz Tilapia cluster diagnostic showed an incipient development with remarked opportunity areas, where efforts should be directed, supported by a cluster strategy. However, Mexico and the Port city of Veracruz should diversify their economy. We conclude that adopting a cluster strategy for aquaculture is necessary in Mexico to both increase global competitiveness and to supply the local market.