In a move aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of shrimp populations along the Mexican Pacific coast, the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission of Mexico has officially announced the commencement of the annual shrimp ban. Effective from Wednesday, March 20, this prohibition encompasses all species of shrimp in the designated region.

Regulatory Measures

Published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, the agreement outlines the specific regulations regarding the shrimp ban. From 00:00 on March 20, commercial capture of shrimp species is prohibited in the Pacific Ocean region extending from the northern border with the United States to the southern border with Guatemala. This prohibition includes estuarine-lagoon systems, marshes, and bays situated in Baja California Sur, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Sonora, as well as the Gulf of California.

The decision to implement the shrimp ban is underpinned by extensive scientific research conducted by the Mexican Institute for Research in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (IMIPAS), formerly known as INAPESCA. The aim is to safeguard the reproductive processes of commercially significant shrimp species found along the Mexican Pacific coast.

Ensuring Population Continuity

By restricting commercial activity during this period, the shrimp ban facilitates the natural recruitment of organisms towards breeding and growth areas. This measure is crucial for maintaining healthy shrimp populations, ensuring their sustainable use in future fishing seasons. The upcoming fishing season for 2024-2025, scheduled to commence in mid-September of this year, stands to benefit from these protective measures.

The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission, in collaboration with the Secretary of the Navy, remains committed to enforcing the ban effectively. Continuous inspection and surveillance efforts will be undertaken to monitor shrimp resources and ensure compliance among fishermen during this period of restriction.