Pink Conch Harvest Authorized in Quintana Roo with New Rules

CHETUMAL, QR. The recent authorization for pink conch harvest along the coasts of Quintana Roo marks the beginning of a season regulated by technical and environmental criteria.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Agricultura), through the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca), confirmed that extractive activity was enabled starting December 1, 2025, reinforcing conservation measures in a region where pink conch harvest has historically been relevant for fishermen and coastal communities.

According to the agency, the permitted zone comprises Banco Chinchorro, from Punta Herrero to Bacalar Chico, at the border with Belize.

The authorities indicated that this determination is based on evaluations from the Mexican Institute for Research in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (Imipas), whose analysis allowed establishing guidelines that guarantee a balance between fishing activity and resource protection.

Quintana Roo Adjusts Guidelines for Pink Conch Harvest

The authorized quota for this season establishes a maximum of 10 tons, focused exclusively on extracted product, which reinforces control over pink conch harvest and seeks to prevent irregular practices that affect the sustainability of the species.

Among the permitted commercial presentations are fresh pulp with skin, semi-cleaned cuts, frozen fillets, and pieces destined for ceviche preparation.

Beyond its gastronomic value, pink conch plays an essential ecological role in marine ecosystems. It contributes to the proliferation of benthic organisms, provides key nutrients for marine algae, regulates seagrass growth, and through its shell, supplies calcium carbonate and shelter for various species.

These factors explain why pink conch harvest must remain under strict controls, especially given the history of overexploitation that has led to its inclusion in Appendix II of the CITES Convention.

The beauty of its shell and the quality of its meat have made it a highly valued resource, but also a vulnerable one. For this reason, Conapesca reiterated the importance of complying with authorized fishing periods and regulations governing pink conch harvest, emphasizing that responsible management is indispensable to ensure its permanence.

With these measures, the Federal Government seeks to guarantee that pink conch harvest continues to be an economically viable activity without compromising the balance of Mexican Caribbean ecosystems.