Isla Mujeres Boat Operators Demand More Park Rangers to Combat Illegal Fishing

Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo — Boat operators in Isla Mujeres are calling on environmental authorities to double the number of park rangers to combat illegal fishing in protected areas, saying increased visitor fees haven’t translated to better enforcement.

Manuel Paredes, Ezequiel Pérez, and Juan López, crew members who work in the Isla Contoy and Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres national parks, said poaching has increased while enforcement remains inadequate. They noted that most illegal fishing occurs at night from the coast near Cabo Catoche, yet the reserve only has one night watchman.

The operators said park concessionaires have requested that Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources authorize more rangers and support volunteers to strengthen surveillance. This comes after access fees to protected natural areas in Isla Mujeres increased by 100% over the past two years.

“We were promised more surveillance personnel and guaranteed fuel supplies for night patrols starting last year,” said Manuel Paredes. “No expansion has materialized, which keeps concessionaires concerned.”

Officials from the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas previously told operators that fee increases were related to expanding operational teams and having enough rangers to enforce preservation guidelines. For Isla Contoy, visitor fees have risen to 225 pesos this year, potentially generating about 12.5 million pesos in revenue while annual operational costs are around 6 million pesos.

Last year, the park recorded 56,918 visitors. If tourism maintains similar levels, it would reach that revenue target. Three years ago, revenue was half that amount, but with two fee increases implemented, collection is expected to double.

Juan López lamented that during three decades of operation under management programs in these areas, there have been no arrests of poachers or confiscations of vessels.

The situation appears to repeat in other national parks including Isla Mujeres-Cancún, Puerto Morelos, and Cozumel, as well as other protected areas. The Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources has not issued an official position regarding constant complaints from concessionaires and tourism operators, who demand an end to marine species extraction like the conch harvesting in Isla Mujeres evidenced by shells found by commission personnel.