The shrimp fishing industry in Mazatlán is facing a significant downturn. According to Jesús Omar Lizárraga Manjarrez, President of the Union of Shipowners of the Pacific Coast, only 30 to 35 percent of vessels will be operational during the 2024-2025 season. This sharp reduction signals a severe crisis for the region’s fishermen and the broader industry.

A Delayed Start for Shrimp Fishermen

The 2024-2025 shrimp fishing season will commence on October 2 for fishermen operating within the lagoon system. Open sea fishermen, however, will not set sail until October 15. This staggered start is not due to logistical challenges but is a deliberate decision by the Mexican Institute of Fisheries Research.

The institute determined that delaying the start of open sea fishing would allow shrimp populations to grow, thereby ensuring that they can be harvested at a larger size, potentially commanding higher market prices. This strategy, while logical in theory, presents significant short-term economic challenges for the fishermen.

A National Issue of Neglected Resources

Lizárraga Manjarrez highlighted a broader issue within Mexico’s fishing sector: the underutilization of the country’s fisheries. With 17 states engaged in fishing activities, the potential is vast, yet much of it remains untapped and neglected.

This underexploitation not only affects local economies but also provides an opportunity for foreign competitors. Countries with more developed fishing industries are capitalizing on Mexico’s inaction, reaping the benefits of fish stocks that could otherwise support the domestic market.