The Ministry of Rural Development, Fisheries and Aquaculture announced the commencement of a shrimp ban in the Gulf of Mexico, effective from May 28. This measure aims to support sustainable fishing practices and ensure the long-term viability of shrimp populations in the region.

Scope of the Shrimp Ban

The temporary ban affects estuarine lagoon systems within federal jurisdictions of the Gulf of Mexico. These systems stretch from the border with the United States in Tamaulipas to the mouth of the Coatzacoalcos River in Veracruz. This extensive coverage underscores the importance of protecting key shrimp habitats along this crucial coastline.

Antonio Varela Flores, head of the state agency, emphasized the significance of time-space closures as vital management tools. These closures are designed to promote the responsible use of fishing resources by regulating when and where shrimp can be harvested. By adhering to these regulations, the fishing community contributes to the sustainability of shrimp stocks.

Official Gazette Publication

The shrimp ban period and specific restrictions have been officially published in the Official Gazette of the Federation. This decision is supported by the technical assessments of the Mexican Institute for Research in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (IMIPAS). These assessments determine the optimal periods and zones for catch restrictions to ensure the health of shrimp populations.

Varela Flores highlighted the importance of compliance with the shrimp ban. Those who fail to adhere to the regulations will face sanctions as outlined in the General Law of Sustainable Fishing and Aquaculture and other applicable legal provisions. The enforcement of these measures is crucial to achieving the desired outcomes of the ban.