By Analia Murias From FIS

In order to protect the shrimp breeding and development periods, the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) established ban seasons and areas for catching all shrimp species in seawater and estuary lagoon systems in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

The new order published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) will also promote the sustainable exploitation of the species and will make it possible to maintain availability levels.

The fishing ban will apply in the following dates and areas:

From 1 May to 1 August 2014 in the area stretching from the US border in Tamaulipas to the mouth of the Coatzacoalcos River in Veracruz;

From 15 June to 1 November in the marine waters covering from the mouth of the Coatzacoalcos River to the meridian of 87° 00′ west longitude, including the marine waters of Contoy fishing grounds;

From 1 May to 30 September in the coastal strip opposite the states of Campeche and Tabasco to the seabob (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) fishery with smaller vessels.

In addition, the authority established a closed season for catching all shrimp species in the estuarine lagoon systems under federal jurisdiction of the Gulf of Mexico, according to the following time periods and zones:

From 25 May to 9 July 9, 2014 in the estuarine lagoon systems of the Gulf of Mexico, from the US border in Tamaulipas, to the mouth of the Coatzacoalcos river;

From 1 May to 30 September in the state of Tabasco estuarine lagoon systems.

Besides, SAGARPA defined a permanent ban period for catching all species of marine shrimp in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, which are located from the marine band of 0 to 15 miles from the coastline, from Isla Aguada, Campeche, to the border with Belize, including lagoons and coastal areas in the Yucatan Peninsula, except Contoy fishing grounds.

Those weighers not complying with or contravening the new order will be punished as provided in the General Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Act and in other applicable laws.

The enforcement of the closures will be responsibility of the Navy Secretariat and of SAGARPA.

PHOTO: Coastal shrimp fishermen. (Photo Credit: Alianza de Riberenos y Armadores)

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