Oceana Sheds Light on Mexico's Weak Response to Illegal Fishing

Oceana, an organization devoted to safeguarding the oceans, raised the alarm over Mexico’s failure to combat illegal fishing during the current administration. The organization’s report reveals that less than 1% of the issue is addressed nationally, prompting calls for urgent policy reforms.

Over the course of the present administration, there has been a significant reduction in personnel, inspection, and surveillance patrols, as well as confiscations and detentions related to illegal fishing. FAO defines this as unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU fishing), which is divided into three subcategories. First, illegal fishing refers to activities conducted on vessels without permission, contravening national and international fisheries management regulations. Unreported fishing encompasses all catches not registered or inaccurately reported to fisheries management authorities. Finally, unregulated fishing occurs in areas where there are no fisheries management measures or where activities are inconsistent with measures established by regional fisheries management organizations.

The National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA) reported that illegal fishing accounts for a staggering 40% of Mexico's total fish catch. Despite this, Oceana highlights that the current efforts to combat illegal fishing address less than 1% of the problem nationwide.

Oceana's report, titled Illegal Fishing in Mexico: Solutions from Fisheries Policy, sheds light on the concerning trends observed during the current administration. It revealed a 75% decrease in seizures of illegally caught fish and a drastic 95% reduction in the number of individuals detained for engaging in illegal fishing activities. These findings, derived from a comparison against two time periods: the first spanning from 2009 to 2014, during which the Superior Audit of the Federation evaluated fisheries policy, and the second occurring within the current administration from 2018 to 2023.

The organization’s research showed that approximately 22% of fish caught in Mexico enter the market through illegitimate channels. The organization analyzed landing notices from 10 fisheries between 2000 and 2022 and found that in some cases, species were reported among the catch during closed seasons, outside their natural distribution areas, without permits for commercial capture, not identified as bycatch, or using unauthorized fishing gear, among other issues.

Renata Terrazas, Executive Director, Oceana Mexico, emphasized that the prevailing punitive approach to combating illegal fishing has proven ineffective due to a lack of enforcement. She argues that the focus should instead be on addressing the root causes, particularly the widespread practice of fishing during closed seasons and in protected areas.

Oceana advocates for a holistic approach to tackling illegal fishing through comprehensive public policies. This approach would involve targeted efforts, enhanced coordination among relevant authorities, and measures to ensure accountability throughout the fisheries supply chain. Key components of an effective fisheries policy, as proposed by Oceana, include adequate budget allocations, trained personnel for surveillance and enforcement, regular evaluations of policy implementation, and mechanisms for stakeholder participation.

Nancy Gocher, Director of Campaigns and Advocacy, Oceana Mexico, stressed the urgency of addressing illegal fishing as a pressing issue that threatens marine ecosystems and livelihoods. "We call on those aspiring to occupy the presidency to incorporate, from now on, the urgent need for a fisheries policy that combats illegal fishing, ensuring the participation of the fishing sector, transparency, and accountability," she stated.

On a global scale, illegal fishing is estimated to account for around 20% of the total fish catch, according to FAO data. In this regard, Goal 14, Target 4 of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda urges the international community to effectively regulate fishing exploitation and put an end to overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as destructive fishing practices.