# Mexico marine fisheries management and regulation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexico-marine-fisheries-management-and-regulation > Updated: 2026-10-17T17:00:00.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 4. Mexico is implementing various changes to its marine fishing regulations and quotas. Following the 104th meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (CIAT), Mexico secured an increase in its Pacific bluefin tuna catch limit for the 2027-2028 period, raising the quota from 10,763 to 11,256 tons. In the Alto Golfo de California, Mexico’s National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca) and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) have reduced the vaquita marina protection area by approximately 86 percent, decreasing it from 11,106 square kilometers to 1,562 square kilometers. This change allows for the return of gillnet fishing in a significantly larger portion of the region following an agreement between the government and fishermen. President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the decision, stating the goal is to balance the conservation of the critically endangered vaquita marina with the economic well-being of local fishing communities, such as those in San Felipe, Baja California. The new regulations utilize technical delimitations recommended by the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (CIRVA) based on historical sightings and 2025 acoustic monitoring. While the gillnet prohibition zone has been reduced, a 225-square-kilometer ‘Zero Tolerance Zone’ remains in place, where fishing and navigation are prohibited except for authorized research, environmental monitoring, and habitat restoration. To support enforcement, the government is implementing stricter monitoring, including mandatory satellite tracking for vessels and designated landing sites. The decree also establishes specific fishing hours, including a prohibition on night fishing from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM, and authorizes a new transit channel for vessel navigation. While some fishing cooperatives have welcomed the move, the policy has faced significant backlash. Environmental organizations warn that the reduction in protected space could accelerate the extinction of the species, which has a population estimated at only seven to ten individuals. ## Claims - The gillnet prohibition area in the Upper Gulf of California was reduced from 11,106 to 1,562 square kilometers. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The Zero Tolerance Zone remains in effect but now includes an authorized transit channel. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The new regulation was based on technical recommendations from CIRVA and monitoring data from 2025. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Vessels in the regulated areas must use satellite monitoring systems. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Fishing in the restricted zones is only allowed with approved alternative gear. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The population of vaquita porpoises was estimated to be between seven and ten individuals last year. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The new regulation includes restrictions on fishing hours, prohibiting work from 7 PM to 5 AM. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Fishermen in San Felipe have blocked a highway to protest the new fishing restrictions and hours. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Violators may face fines of up to 1,000 times the value of the UMA and seizure of equipment. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-17: Mexico modifies San Felipe fishing rules to protect vaquita marina Mexico has modified fishing restrictions in San Felipe, Baja California, reducing the vaquita marina protection area to allow regulated traditional fishing outside a small 'Zero Tolerance Zone'. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-modifies-san-felipe-fishing-rules-to-protect-vaquita-marina ### 2026-10-15: Mexico reduces vaquita marina protection zone by 86% Mexico has reduced the gillnet fishing prohibition zone in the Gulf of California by 86% to support local fishing communities, a move environmentalists warn threatens the survival of the near-extinct vaquita. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-updates-gulf-of-california-fishing-rules-to-protect-vaquita-marina ### 2026-10-10: Marine fishing regulations undergo major shifts in Mexico and high seas Mexico has significantly reduced the vaquita marina protection zone to allow gillnet fishing, while squid producers call for stricter high-seas fishing limits to ensure resource sustainability. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marine-fishing-regulations-undergo-major-shifts-in-mexico-and-high-seas ### 2026-09-11: Mexico increases Pacific bluefin tuna catch limit for 2027-2028 Mexico's Pacific bluefin tuna catch limit for 2027-2028 will increase by 4.6% to 11,256 tons following a CIAT meeting. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-increases-pacific-bluefin-tuna-catch-limit-for-2027-2028 --- Cite as: Mexico marine fisheries management and regulation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mexico-marine-fisheries-management-and-regulation