Zulia begins blue crab fishing season aiming for U.S. exports

The blue crab fishing season has officially commenced in Lake Maracaibo, Zulia state, with the Venezuelan government seeking certification from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to enable exports to the U.S. market.

Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Juan Carlos Loyo confirmed that technical files have been submitted to the international body to validate the activity. The sector is vital to the regional economy, involving over 12,000 fishermen, 7,000 vessels, and 24 processing plants across 13 coastal municipalities. The reactivation is expected to protect and increase more than 4,000 direct jobs.

Governor Luis Caldera and Minister Loyo stated that a new organizational scheme based on scientific studies and strict environmental regulations will be implemented to ensure the sustainability of the catch. Authorities aim to meet international sanitary and quality standards required by North American consumers. Full capture and international dispatch are projected to resume by October, supported by reinforced customs controls.