Joint Operation Halts Illegal Pink Conch Fishing in Alacranes Reef, Three Detained

Mérida, Yucatan — A multi-agency operation detected and halted illegal pink conch fishing activities in the Alacranes Reef National Park, one of the most important protected natural areas in the Gulf of Mexico and a sanctuary for this species.

The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) announced that the action took place on March 4 in coordination with the Mexican Navy, the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), and the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca), as part of ongoing surveillance operations to prevent illegal extraction of marine species.

During the operation, authorities spotted a suspicious vessel and pursued it. They detained three divers who were allegedly engaged in illegal fishing activities.

Upon inspecting the boat, officials located various pieces of equipment used for capturing pink conch, including diving suits, fins, snorkels, masks, hooks, drilling tools, screwdrivers, and a compressor.

Authorities also seized nine pink conch shells and seven pieces of fresh, raw, and eviscerated meat from the species.

Officials noted that the Caribbean pink conch (Lobatus gigas) has been under a permanent fishing ban since 1988 due to overexploitation and the slow recovery rate of its populations, meaning no authorization exists for its extractive use.

After the seizure, the equipment, specimens, wildlife parts, boat, and its engine were placed under the custody of the Mexican Navy, which acted as the first responder, for handover to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office.

The pink conch is a key species for Caribbean marine ecosystems and is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Its illegal extraction poses a direct threat to the balance of the reefs and seagrass beds where it lives.

Profepa stated it will continue participating in coordinated surveillance actions to prevent illegal fishing and protect biodiversity within the country’s natural protected areas.