Illegal Fishing Threatens Quintana Roo Marine Species

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Despite active fishing bans, at least six marine species continue to be illegally harvested in Quintana Roo, with high demand for shrimp and lobster driving the black-market trade in the Mexican Caribbean’s culinary sector.

Aquaculture Falls Short of Demand

Manuel Carvajal Sánchez, a chef and researcher at the University of the Caribbean (Unicaribe), revealed that Quintana Roo currently operates 22 active aquaculture farms across municipalities including Othón P. Blanco, Bacalar, Lázaro Cárdenas, Benito Juárez, and Puerto Morelos. However, annual production yields only 3,807 tons of species such as mojarra, torito, dogfish, and langostino—far below local demand. This shortfall has led to supply shortages, volatile prices, and mounting pressure on marine ecosystems.

Carvajal Sánchez acknowledged that many fish and shellfish currently served in restaurants are under seasonal protection. "These products remain on menus because enforcement is weak. There are no patrols monitoring fishermen—neither police nor the navy, who are responsible for this oversight. We must recognize that by consuming these species, we are complicit in ecocide," he emphasized.

Current Fishing Bans and Enforcement Gaps

In Cancún, the 2025 fishing ban covers multiple marine species, including shrimp, lobster, abalone, and select fish, with specific restricted periods and zones. While seafood vendors are required to obtain special permits to sell protected species—proving the catch was harvested before the ban—most lack this documentation.

The primary ecological impact is the disruption of reproductive cycles, preventing species recovery. Carvajal Sánchez noted that aquaculture farms in southern Quintana Roo are now producing alternatives such as Malaysian langostino, Australian lobster, tilapia, and chivita to meet demand.

Regulatory Measures and Awareness Efforts

The Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) enforces these bans to ensure sustainable fishing. Examples include:

• Shrimp: Banned from May 1 to August 15, 2025.
• Blue, green, and red lobster: Prohibited from February 16 to September 14.
• Additional bans cover pleasure oyster, geoduck clam, and octopus.

To raise awareness, the University of the Caribbean will host a conference on June 11 featuring local aquaculture farm owners. The event aims to address production challenges, supply shortages for hotels and restaurants in the northern zone, and promote sustainable practices.