Bienpesca Program Benefits Over 168,000 Fishers

The General Coordination of Welfare Programs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, through the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission (Conapesca), announced the start of payouts for the Bienpesca program on Feb. 12, 2025. Over 168,900 registered beneficiaries will receive MX$7,500 (US$365) each, as part of the fiscal 2025 funding, which includes an investment exceeding MX$1.2 billion from the Mexican government.

Carlos Torres, General Coordinator of Welfare Programs, emphasized that since Dec. 2, 2024, Bienpesca has been a recognized constitutional right in Mexico. “Art. 27 of our Constitution mandates the delivery of annual direct support to small-scale fishermen. This means that, in the future, no one will take it away,” said Torres.

Alejandro Flores, Head, Conapesca, reiterated that, like all Welfare Programs, Bienpesca payments are made directly into beneficiaries' Bank of Well-Being accounts. “The support is provided directly to the beneficiaries, without any intermediaries. The goal is to contribute to food self-sufficiency during closed fishing seasons,” he added.