The Mexican government’s Inspection and Surveillance program aimed at curbing illegal shrimp fishing in the central zone of the country has been a resounding success. According to Cuauhtémoc Castro Real, president of the Federation of Fishing Cooperatives in the central area of ​​the state, there have been no reports of illegal fishing in the bays and estuaries of the region.

Support from State Government Crucial to Program’s Success

The president of the Federation of Fishing Cooperatives extended his gratitude to Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and Flor Emilia Guerra Mena, head of the Secretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the State Government, for providing timely financial support for the program. The 14 million pesos (USD 758 thousand) budget allocation has been instrumental in ensuring the effective implementation of the surveillance program.

As is customary during June, the National Commission for Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca) and the Fisheries Institute are conducting sampling to monitor the development of crustaceans in the region. The results are expected to be presented in August, which will provide valuable insights into the shrimp population.

Shrimp Ban Likely to be Lifted in September

Given last year’s results, it is highly likely that the shrimp ban will be lifted by next September. The ideal scenario would be to give a brief window between coastal and offshore fishing seasons to allow small-scale fishermen to benefit from this opportunity.