Mérida, Yucatán — Yucatán authorities are ramping up efforts to combat illegal fishing along the state’s entire coastline, with offenders now facing potential prison sentences, officials announced.
Lila Frías Castillo, head of the Yucatán Secretariat of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (Sepasy), said the coast remains under constant surveillance. She identified Celestún, Sisal, and parts of Progreso as high-risk areas where illegal fishing has historically been most prevalent.
Operations are conducted jointly with the Mexican Navy, the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca), and the state government. Special attention is given to species under permanent fishing bans, such as sea cucumber and white conch, as well as those with specific closed seasons.
Frías Castillo noted that authorities have also seized out-of-season octopus and lobster shipments, threatening marine conservation and harming the fishing industry’s economy.
Penalties for illegal fishing go beyond fines and can lead to criminal prosecution and imprisonment, she said. The collaboration with the Navy aims to strengthen case files that are later submitted to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, using technology to support investigations and law enforcement.
The official said those involved in poaching include both local residents and people from other states, but emphasized that they represent a small fraction of the fishing community. Most fishermen comply with regulations, support conservation, and even request increased surveillance to protect the sector.
Frías Castillo also highlighted the launch of the Safe Navigation campaign for the summer vacation period, promoting safety measures among coastal, deep-sea, and sport fishermen. Recommendations include staying in contact with port authorities, following navigation instructions, and monitoring weather reports to prevent accidents.
