The coastal fishermen of northern Sinaloa, Mexico, are gearing up for what appears to be a promising shrimp fishing season. Mr. José Antonio Cital, a seasoned fisherman from the port of Topolobampo, expressed optimism about the current conditions at sea. He noted that the presence of numerous shrimp suggests that larvae are entering the bay, a positive sign for forthcoming production.

Preparations Underway for Ban Lifting

Although fishermen do not yet have a specific date for when the fishing ban will be lifted, they are actively preparing for the upcoming season. The local fishermen are busy repairing their boats and stocking their small vessels with necessary supplies. It has been nearly a month since the official lifting of the ban was announced for September 21, and the anticipation among the fishing community is palpable.

Leonel Sánchez Cota, president of the Federation of Fishing Cooperatives of Northern Sinaloa and Southern Sonora, also shared insights into the current shrimp situation. While he believes there will be ample shrimp catches without issues along the Mexican Pacific coast, he cautioned about unforeseen challenges. He pointed out that imports of shrimp from Ecuador can potentially introduce viruses that harm local production, threatening the health of natural marine environments.

Assessing Economic Viability

The fishermen’s strategy is to maximize their return based on current market conditions. Vicente Balderrama, leader of the Union of Free Fishermen of Topolobampo, highlighted that local fishermen are weighing their options. If shrimp prices are unfavorable and fuel costs increase, many opt to switch to fishing species like croaker, snapper, and mullet, which are currently fetching higher prices. Balderrama noted that to sustain a good livelihood, fishermen need substantial shrimp catches, typically in the range of 80 to 120 kilos.

In an effort to enhance profitability for local fishermen, the Union of Free Fishermen of Topolobampo is exploring the creation of an international marketing company, aimed at improving the price range for shrimp from the region. This initiative is expected to provide much-needed support for the fishing communities in Topolobampo, El Colorado, and Las Lajitas, ensuring they receive a fair price for their catch in a competitive market.