The president of the Federation of Fishing Cooperatives in the Central Zone has raised urgent concerns regarding the influx of farmed shrimp from Ecuador into Mexico. Cuauhtémoc Castro Real has requested a presidential order to combat corruption in customs and halt the entry of shrimp from the Central American country.

Diplomatic Rupture Fuels Hopes for Change

With the recent diplomatic rupture between Mexico and Ecuador, fishermen from bays and estuaries are optimistic that their calls for action will be heeded. They anticipate that this diplomatic strain could lead to a crackdown on corruption in customs, ultimately preventing the entry of Ecuadorian shrimp into Mexico.

Castro Real highlighted the prevalence of smuggling, noting that Ecuador does not have a shrimp trade agreement with Mexico. Despite this, illicit practices persist, with Ecuadorian aquaculturists allegedly smuggling shrimp into the United States and subsequently selling it in Mexico. This has inundated the local market, resulting in significant volumes of shrimp being frozen in warehouses due to sluggish sales.

Legal Battles and Frustrations

In an effort to address this issue, legal avenues have been pursued, with a judge granting protection to affected parties. However, the problem persists, posing a significant threat to the livelihoods of those in the fishing industry. Attempts to negotiate a trade agreement with Ecuador were met with resistance from the Federal Government, citing concerns about the impact on aquaculture and the fishing industry.