The president of the National Chamber of the Fishing Industry in Mexico, Francisco Romellón Herrera, has issued a stark warning about the precarious state of the shrimping industry. He emphasized the critical need for efficient inspection and surveillance systems to safeguard against the risks facing shrimp farming.

Risk of Disappearance

Herrera highlighted the potential disappearance of shrimp farming if adequate measures are not taken. He pointed to the lack of enforcement of closed seasons for marine species, particularly shrimp. This, coupled with lower production costs in Central and South America, as well as the United States, poses a significant threat to Mexico’s shrimp industry.

Expressing concern over the future of fishing activity, Herrera urged the intervention of regulatory bodies such as the National Fisheries Commission (Conapesca) and the Secretary of the Navy to enforce existing laws and regulations.

Economic Challenges

The decline in production volumes over the past five years has resulted in decreased profitability for fishing vessels. Herrera noted that this decline has made it difficult for vessel owners to afford necessary repairs or maintenance, further jeopardizing the industry’s sustainability.

Herrera questioned the selective enforcement of laws, citing examples of inactive vessels facing pressure to comply while others in violation of regulations go unchecked. He emphasized the need for consistent application of the law across all sectors of the fishing industry.

Impact of Imports

The influx of shrimp imports, particularly from the United States and Central and South America, poses a significant challenge to Mexican producers. Herrera highlighted the disparity in production costs, with imported shrimp often undercutting domestic prices, leading to unfair competition and economic strain on local producers.

Herrera called on the Ministry of Economy to intervene and provide support to domestic producers to mitigate the adverse effects of imported shrimp. He stressed the importance of protecting national interests to ensure the sustainability of Mexico’s shrimp industry.