Mexican fishing sectors in Sinaloa and Sonora demand emergency aid

Fishermen in the Mexican states of Sinaloa and Sonora are calling for urgent government intervention to address severe economic crises within the fishing industry.

In Sinaloa, Senator Paloma Sánchez Ramos has introduced an initiative to restructure support for the sector. She argued that the current Bienpesca annual support of 8,000 pesos is insufficient. The sector is currently struggling with high diesel costs, illegal fishing, and the impact of 40,000 tons of Ecuadorian shrimp entering the market, which has driven down domestic prices. Additionally, local fishermen in areas like Topolobampo and Angostura face equipment issues and delayed water studies.

In Sonora, coastal fishermen are requesting emergency aid programs from the state government to manage rising debts caused by poor seasons and delays in the shrimp season. Representatives from the National Confederation of Fishing Cooperatives (Conacoop) noted that the official start of the 2026-2027 season and disruptions from Hurricane Polo have significantly reduced catches. They are proposing that future shrimp seasons begin in the third week of August to align with better historical fishing conditions.