Yucatán Cracks Down on Illegal Fishing; Offenders Face Prison Time

Progreso, Yucatán, Mexico – State authorities in Yucatán have significantly bolstered operations aimed at curbing illegal fishing along the coast. Permanent surveillance patrols are now in place, and officials are warning that those caught engaging in illicit fishing activities will face criminal prosecution, including imprisonment.

“

The Secretariat of Pesca y Acuacultura Sustentables de Yucatán (Sepasy) pointed out that there are areas where this illicit activity historically registers a greater incidence, including Celestún, Sisal and some points of Progreso, considered priority areas for inspection.

The Secretariat of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture of Yucatán (Sepasy) has identified key areas with historically high incidences of illegal fishing. These priority zones for inspection include Celestún, Sisal, and certain locations near Progreso. The primary targets for this illegal extraction are sea cucumber and white conch, species for which extraction is permanently prohibited.

“

species, whose extraction is prohibited permanently, are sea cucumber and white conch.

Lila Frías Castillo, the head of Sepasy, acknowledged that patrols have also seized octopus and lobster caught out of season. She emphasized that such practices severely disrupt the reproduction of marine resources and result in significant financial losses for the legal fishing sector. Frías Castillo reiterated that individuals involved in illegal fishing face not only administrative or economic sanctions but also judicial processes that can lead to prison sentences.

“

people who engage in illegal fishing not only expose themselves to administrative or economic sanctions, but also to judicial processes that can result in prison sentences.

Authorities noted that offenders apprehended along the Yucatán coast include individuals from other Mexican states, such as Campeche, Tabasco, and Veracruz. In a recent operation, three fishermen were detained with 250 kilograms of sea cucumber off the coast of Dzilam de Bravo. These individuals have already been linked to criminal proceedings and will face trial while in prison, highlighting the state's commitment to enforcing fishing regulations.

“

three fishermen were detained with 250 kilos of sea cucumber off the coasts of Dzilam de Bravo, who have already been linked to process, so they will face their trial in prison.