Illegal Fishing Crisis Threatens Seafood Supply in Mexico

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — Marine depredation continues to rise along the coasts of Quintana Roo due to illegal fishing and a complete lack of enforcement by authorities. This unlawful activity is depleting marine species and drastically reducing the availability of seafood, according to local residents and fishermen.

Among the most affected species is the queen conch, whose capture is prohibited due to a fishing ban, yet it continues to be sold without consequences. The illegal fishing of juvenile sharks and other endangered species has also been reported, with no arrests or confiscations, confirming the absence of effective enforcement operations.

Lack of Oversight and Enforcement

Carlos Alberto Pérez, a witness to these practices, denounced that even individuals without permits go out to sea to fish without interference. "The Port Authority is more bureaucratic than operational. There is no control, and sport fishing is also suffering due to the scarcity," he explained.

Pérez emphasized that increased oversight would prevent the capture of juvenile specimens and allow fish stocks to recover. In recent years, authorities have announced conservation and marine surveillance strategies, such as interagency operations and fishing bans, but these measures have been inconsistently enforced, with little to no supervision.

Ineffective Protected Areas

The Natural Protected Area, established over two decades ago, still lacks an operational management plan. Official reports on confiscations are scarce or nonexistent, further highlighting the lack of enforcement.

Despite repeated announcements of conservation efforts, the reality on the ground reflects a systemic failure to curb illegal fishing, threatening both marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of local fishermen.