The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States has placed Mexico on a list of 17 countries engaged in illegal or environmentally harmful fishing practices. As a result, Mexican vessels operating in the Gulf of Ulloa will be denied access to U.S. ports, effective October 10, 2024.
The announcement, made by NOAA’s Marine Fisheries Service, underscores the U.S. government’s efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and protect marine life. The move is part of a broader measure affecting fishing vessels from countries such as China, Russia, France, Italy, Greece, and Spain. In particular, Mexican-flagged vessels working in gillnet fisheries in the Gulf of Ulloa will face restrictions.
Port Access Denial for Mexican Vessels
According to NOAA Fisheries, the sanctions on Mexican vessels operating in the Gulf of Ulloa follow ongoing concerns over illegal fishing practices in the region. The ban will prohibit these vessels from receiving services at U.S. ports, including refueling and supplies, except for essential services necessary for the safety and welfare of the crew. The existing port access denials for Mexican vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, which have been in effect since 2023, will remain unchanged.
“Port denials are a crucial tool in addressing illegal fishing activities that harm protected marine species,” the agency said in a statement. “These denials are directed at vessels involved in IUU fishing or those using fishing practices that negatively impact marine life, such as endangered species.”
NOAA emphasized that the port denial policy would not apply in cases of force majeure or other emergencies that endanger the crew or the vessel. The action is part of the U.S. government’s compliance with the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act, which mandates the identification and sanctioning of nations with vessels engaged in IUU fishing or fishing practices that harm protected species, such as sea turtles and marine mammals.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Mexico’s inclusion on the NOAA list highlights ongoing issues with illegal fishing in its waters, specifically regarding the incidental capture of endangered species such as sea turtles. Environmental organizations, including Oceana, have expressed concern about the country’s continued failure to address the problem adequately.
Renata Terrazas, executive director of Oceana Mexico, stated that the denial of U.S. port access for Mexican vessels serves as a significant warning for the Mexican government. “It is regrettable that Mexico has received another negative rating from the United States for illegal fishing,” Terrazas said. “This is one of the most serious challenges facing our coastal communities and marine ecosystems.”
She emphasized that the closure of U.S. ports to Mexican vessels underscores the urgency of addressing illegal fishing practices in Mexican waters. Terrazas also called on Mexico’s incoming government, led by President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, to prioritize this issue and ensure compliance with international fishing agreements.
International Response and Implications
The sanctions imposed by NOAA come at a time of growing global concern over IUU fishing and its impact on marine ecosystems. The U.S. government’s decision to target vessels from 17 countries demonstrates the international community’s commitment to tackling this issue and protecting marine resources.
For Mexico, the sanctions have both environmental and economic implications. In addition to the reputational damage caused by being included on NOAA’s list, the port access denials will likely disrupt the operations of Mexican fishing companies, particularly those relying on U.S. ports for refueling and supplies.
The Gulf of Ulloa, located along Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, is a critical area for marine biodiversity. However, it has also been a hotspot for illegal fishing activities, including the use of gillnets that unintentionally capture and harm protected species, particularly sea turtles.
Call for Government Action
The sanctions against Mexican vessels come at a critical juncture for the country’s fishing industry. As the nation prepares for a transition in leadership, environmental groups and policymakers are urging the incoming administration to take decisive action to address illegal fishing and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
Oceana’s Terrazas stressed the need for the Mexican government to strengthen its efforts to combat IUU fishing and protect the country’s marine ecosystems. “The next government must take this as a serious wake-up call and implement measures to stop illegal fishing. It is not just about compliance with international agreements but about safeguarding the livelihoods of our coastal communities and the future of our marine life,” she said.
The NOAA sanctions highlight the ongoing challenge Mexico faces in regulating its fishing industry and ensuring compliance with international standards. As the U.S. government moves to enforce its port access restrictions, the pressure on Mexico to reform its fishing practices and protect endangered species continues to mount.
For now, the denial of port access serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of illegal fishing, both for the environment and for the economic stability of the affected nations.