Mexico Struggles to Combat Illegal Fishing, Jeopardizing US Waters and Fish Export Market
Mexico has been flagged by the National Office of United States Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Marine Fisheries Service for its failure to effectively address illegal fishing activities in both its national waters and areas under U.S. jurisdiction. The United States government agencies have given Mexico failing grades on five different occasions, highlighting the country’s lack of action in preventing illegal fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
One of the consequences of Mexico’s inadequate response to illegal fishing is the negative impact on its fish and seafood export market, particularly with the United States. The U.S. is a crucial market for Mexico, representing 50% of its fish and seafood exports. However, Mexican fishing vessels have already been prohibited from entering U.S. ports since February 2022 due to this certification.
Illegal fishing not only affects Mexico’s ability to sell its products in the United States but also undermines the efforts of fishermen who comply with regulations. According to Oceana, a non-governmental organization dedicated to ocean protection, between 30 and 40% of Mexico’s fishing production comes from illegal fishing. This illicit activity hampers the economic livelihoods of law-abiding fishermen and prevents them from accessing the valuable U.S. market.
The evaluation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) emphasizes Mexico’s failures in combating illegal fishing. There is a lack of evidence to support the notion that corrective actions have been taken to address this ongoing problem. Renata Terrazas, the executive director of Oceana in Mexico, concurs with this assessment, stating that more than 40% of fishing in Mexico is conducted illegally, without proper reporting or regulation.
Illegal fishing not only poses economic challenges but also perpetuates unfair competition for law-abiding fishermen who adhere to government regulations and pay the required taxes and contributions. These legal fishermen find themselves at a disadvantage as they compete with those engaged in illegal fishing, who avoid these financial obligations.
In addition to these issues, Mexico’s fishing industry is increasingly threatened by organized crime. Criminal groups have infiltrated the sector, especially in regions like Nayarit, Baja California, the Yucatan Peninsula, and Tamaulipas. These groups engage in various illegal activities, such as fishing during closed seasons or conducting unauthorized fishing of endangered species like totoaba in the upper Gulf of California. Unfortunately, the presence of organized crime in the fishing industry has not been adequately addressed by any level of the Mexican government.
The inadequate response to illegal fishing has resulted in a decline in the number of federal fisheries officers tasked with addressing this issue. In 2012, there were 214 federal fisheries officers, but by 2022, that number had dwindled to less than 170. This decrease in surveillance capacity, coupled with the government’s focus on a non-confrontational approach to crime, has further contributed to the prevalence of illegal fishing.
To protect the fishing industry and ensure sustainable practices, Mexico needs to take immediate action against illegal fishing. Strengthening law enforcement efforts, allocating sufficient budgetary resources, and collaborating with international partners are necessary steps to combat this illicit activity. By addressing the challenges posed by illegal fishing, Mexico can protect its fish and seafood export market, support law-abiding fishermen, and maintain the health of its marine ecosystems.
