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In Nayarit, Mexico, the shrimp production industry is facing a dire threat from rampant theft. Fishermen are sounding alarms over recurring losses that could destabilize their livelihoods.
Escalating Theft and Economic Impact
Annually, Nayarit’s estuary shrimp production totals 5,000 tons, complemented by an additional 18,000 to 20,000 tons from shrimp farms. Criminals manage to pilfer up to 40% of these yields, translating to millions of pesos in losses each year.
Frustrated by the lack of effective federal intervention, cooperative leaders are contemplating drastic measures. Juan de Dios Fernández, President of the Coastal Fishermen’s Association in Nayarit, warns that unless immediate steps are taken to curb theft, they will mobilize a citizen front to protect their interests.
“If the federal government does not put things in order together with the navy to prevent the looting of shrimp, what we are going to do is protect or take care of our own interests ourselves,” Fernández declared.
Impact on Fishing Communities
The consequences extend beyond economic losses. The theft jeopardizes the sustainability of estuary shrimp production in Nayarit, imperiling the livelihoods of hundreds of fishing families. The municipalities, heavily reliant on shrimp farming, face an uncertain future if the situation persists unchecked.
Despite the adversity, some cooperatives have managed to maintain production through innovative strategies. Fernández highlighted the formation of “white brigades” within select cooperatives, illustrating their resilience amidst challenging circumstances.
“Some 5, 6 or 7 productive cooperatives in the state that we never pay attention to every year, we have implemented white brigades that have worked for us,” Fernández stated, emphasizing the cooperative’s self-reliance in combating theft.