Mazatlán, Sin., On September 22, the shrimp ban will be lifted for all species in the lagoon, estuarine, marsh and bay systems of Sonora and Sinaloa; Meanwhile, on October 7, captures will begin in the marine waters of the Pacific Ocean, authorities and representatives of the fishing sector agreed. However, in Sinaloa, fishermen point out the medium sizes of the crustacean, the possible lower abundance of the resource, high operating costs, the high price of fuel and illegal fishing as the main concerns this season.
Both dates were established at a meeting held at the facilities of the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission (Conapesca) based in Mazatlán. Among the participants were the Secretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Sinaloa, Flor Emilia Guerra Mena, and the president of the Union of Shipowners of the Pacific Coast, Jesús Omar Lizárraga Manjarrez.
Likewise, María José Espinoza Romero, general director of Fisheries Regulation of Conapesca, and Alicia María Poot Salazar, general director of the Mexican Institute for Research in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, attended.
Flor Emilia Guerra pointed out that the sector faces conditions that could make the start of the season difficult, particularly in southern Sinaloa. The official highlighted that an important part of the fishing communities depends directly on this activity, and that the shrimp fishery represents a fundamental source of income.
Guerra Mena also explained that the state government of Sinaloa has participated in actions to support the sector, while efforts related to the rehabilitation of lagoon systems in the south of the entity continue. Given the proximity of the shrimp season, the behavior of the resource and the operating conditions will be determining factors for Sinaloan fishermen, he said.
He reported that different dates were established for Sinaloa according to the fishing zone, and said he trusted that the federal government will reinforce surveillance these days.
The latter was one of the topics raised during the meeting. The fishing sector expressed its concern about illegal fishing, and asked to maintain inspection efforts in view of the proximity of the lifting of the ban.
Lizárraga Manjarrez announced that the sector expressed its disagreement with the difference in dates between the coastal fishing, which begins on September 22, and the high seas, on October 7.
He noted that the shipowners requested that during that period there be sufficient surveillance to protect the resource. He added that the fishing organizations agreed to abide by the proposal presented, although they expressed their disagreement over the difference in days between sectors.
Lizárraga Manjarrez warned that shrimp sizes represent another factor of concern for fishing companies and cooperatives.
He noted that studies presented indicate predominantly medium sizes, and that a lower presence of large specimens can affect the commercial value of the catches.
In addition, he estimated that only between 40 and 50 percent of Mazatlán's fishing fleet has gone out to operate during the last five years, a situation that could be even more complicated for the 2026-2027 season.
He explained that among the main adverse factors are operating costs, particularly fuel, as well as market conditions and product size.
Jesús Omar Lizárraga indicated that fuel costs per boat can exceed one million pesos for a fishing trip.
