Mexico Reaffirms Commitment Against Illegal Fishing

The Mexican government reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing during a regional meeting of the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), hosted by FAO in Cancun, Quintana Roo.

Through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) and the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA), Mexico outlined current efforts to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing, while promoting fisheries management and regulatory compliance.

Alejandro Flores, Director, CONAPESCA, emphasized the importance of the international agreement in the presence of delegations from more than 17 countries in the Americas and the Caribbean. He highlighted inter-agency coordination efforts under Mexico’s current administration, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Flores cited joint actions with the Mexican Institute for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (IMIPAS) and the Ministry of the Navy, as well as the development of a National Traceability System, supported by FAO technical advice. The creation of Community Fisheries Surveillance Committees is also underway. “We have close coordination with IMIPAS, which provides scientific input for decision-making, and with the Navy. This collaboration includes both technical and human resources,” Flores said.

Matthew Camilleri, Technical Secretary, PSMA, recalled that 2025 will mark 30 years since FAO adopted the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries during a meeting in Cancun, led by Margarita Lizárraga, Mexican Researcher. He noted the document continues to guide efforts toward sustainable fisheries management.

Lina Pohl, Representative, FAO Mexico stressed that IUU fishing poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and vulnerable communities. She described the PSMA as a binding tool to strengthen fisheries governance and ensure long-term sustainability in the sector.

From June 2 to 6, delegates are set to review PSMA implementation progress across the region, assess challenges and opportunities, and exchange experiences related to monitoring, control and performance evaluation of flag states.