As the shrimp ban takes effect in the Mexican Pacific Ocean, shrimp boats find themselves moored in the Alfredo V. Bonfil Park, preparing for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. However, concerns loom over the maintenance of these vessels, with shipowners facing significant hurdles in securing necessary repairs and resources for the future.

High Costs and Limited Resources

Jesús Omar Lizárraga Manjarrez, representing the Pacific Coast Shipowners’ Union, has highlighted the challenging landscape ahead for shrimp boat maintenance in Mazatlán. He points to the soaring costs associated with shipyard repairs, primarily driven by the increased prices of repair materials essential for preparing the vessels for another season at sea.

The outlook painted by Lizárraga Manjarrez is bleak, with fears mounting that many shrimp boats may not return to the waters. Despite concluding the previous season with satisfactory shrimp catches meeting commercial standards, the recovery in operating costs has been elusive. The sluggish start to the season has exacerbated financial strains, leaving shipowners with doubts about their ability to finance essential maintenance tasks.

Fueling the Challenge: Rising Diesel Prices

Another significant factor weighing on shipowners is the escalating price of marine diesel. Lizárraga Manjarrez notes that at the season’s end, fuel costs had surged to nearly 24 pesos per liter (approximately USD 5.50 per gallon). With limited support or assistance to sustain operations, the burden of these rising expenses adds to the uncertainty surrounding the future viability of shrimp boat operations.