Mexico shrimp fishing crisis threatens 90,000 jobs

The Mexican shrimp fishing industry is facing a severe crisis that could result in the loss of approximately 90,000 direct jobs nationwide, according to Humberto Becerra Batista, Vice President of Canainpesca. The lack of profitability has left hundreds of vessels docked, impacting a wide supply chain including ice factories, packing plants, and equipment suppliers. While Mexico previously operated over 1,200 active vessels, it is estimated that only about 500 may be able to work during the upcoming shrimp season.

In regions like Guaymas, Sonora, local fishing cooperatives have identified the abundance of mahi-mahi (pez dorado) as a potential solution to alleviate the economic hardship. However, the species is currently restricted to recreational fishing by government regulations. While fishermen argue that commercial exploitation would provide necessary sustenance, tourism representatives warn that opening the species to commercial fishing could negatively impact the local nautical tourism sector.