Proposed Recreational Fishing Fees Spark Controversy

The Nautical Associates of Quintana Roo are planning to challenge a proposed state fee for sport and recreational fishing set to be introduced this year. Francisco Fernández Millán, the president of the organization, has expressed concerns that the new fee could be seen as a duplicate tax. This is because federal legislation already includes a daily fee of 138 pesos per fisherman.

While the proposed state fee is not identical to the federal one, it is an additional charge that appears to have the same purpose of generating revenue.

Millán noted that, to their knowledge, no other state has a fee similar to the one being proposed in Quintana Roo. Despite not being consulted about its implementation or start date, the organization is hopeful that they will have the opportunity to discuss and analyze the issue with local deputies and the governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama.

The proposed fee could significantly impact nearly 20 percent of the companies associated with the Nautical Associates of Quintana Roo that are involved in sport and recreational fishing. It could also affect other tourist industries, particularly those involving captive animals such as dolphin aquariums, as these activities would also be subject to the fees.