Women’s Sportfishing Tourney Launches with Eco Focus

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa inaugurated the eighth edition of the International Women’s Sportfishing Tournament "La Diosa del Mar," marking the first time a female governor has attended this exclusive event for women anglers. The competition brought together more than 250 participants across 32 boats, highlighting the growing interest and participation of women in sports and environmental conservation.

A Milestone for Women in Sportfishing

During the opening ceremony, Lezama emphasized the significance of the tournament and its connection to women’s empowerment. "We say yes to sports, yes to sportfishing, and yes to environmental care," stated the governor, who was accompanied by Puerto Morelos Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu and Tournament Organizing Committee President Karla Luna Rodríguez.

The competition features a prize pool of 100,000 pesos for the winning team, along with three passes to participate in the prestigious Billfish Tournament at Tropic Star Lodge in Panama, one of the world’s premier sportfishing destinations. In previous years, winners of the 2023 and 2024 editions represented Mexico in the Pan American Championship, securing a silver medal in the team category.

Sustainability Initiatives Take Center Stage

This year’s tournament includes an environmental sustainability program in collaboration with the Puerto Morelos Municipal Environment Secretariat. Through the "Fish and Recycle" initiative, participants will collect and separate PET bottles and aluminum cans, earning raffle tickets for depositing materials in designated containers at the dock.

Additionally, the tournament continues its juvenile mahi-mahi tagging program, reinforcing its commitment to species conservation and sustainable development in the region. Biologist Emilio Uc and the University of Quintana Roo will oversee this effort, with strict enforcement prohibiting the capture of juvenile specimens—violations will result in disqualification.

The event not only showcases the skill of women anglers but also promotes environmental respect and marine biodiversity conservation.