Shrimp vessels. (Photo: Sagarpa)
MEXICO
Thursday, August 21, 2014, 22:00 (GMT + 9)
The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) established the beginning of the fishing period for all shrimp species in waters of the Gulf of Mexico, from Tamaulipas to the mouth of the Coatzacoalcos river, in the state of Veracruz, from Wednesday 20 August.
According to was reported by the shrimp sector, more than 1,800 fishermen are involved in fishing for the crustacean growing areas in the Gulf of Mexico.
In addition, it is calculated that there is a fishing effort of more than 200 vessels and the generation of 6,200 direct and indirect jobs, which will benefit the regional economy.
One of the varieties of shrimp caught on this coast is the brown shrimp (Farfantepeneaus aztecus), which represents 90 per cent of total production in the Gulf of Mexico.
The implementation of the ban on the brown shrimp makes it possible to protect the main biomass growth that migrates from the lagoon to the sea and to optimize the benefit of the productive sectors. Additionally, it favours the catch of specimens having larger size and commercial value and protects the reproductive process.
While it was initially planned that the ban would end on 1 August, CONAPESCA decided to extend its duration considering the latest shrimp population surveys made by experts from the National Fisheries Institute (INAPESCA).
INAPESCA recommended to open the 2014-2015 shrimping season on 20 August, with the aim of ensuring that at least 80 per cent of the catch taken on the first trip of the season has large size, reaching a higher commercial value.
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission (CONAPESCA) and officials from the authorities in Tamaulipas and Veracruz will be in charge of controlling the set rules to promote responsible and sustainable fishing activity.
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