Veda Agreements are intended to protect fish in important periods of their life cycle such as, the breeding season, and thereby help to maintain a sufficient number of fish to grow and reproduce, renewing the population to be harvested later, generating social and economic benefits.
The federal agency said that the positive effects of temporary fishing restrictions have been reflected in increased production of squid, croaker, chiral, hedgehog, lobster, abalone, clams, oysters and shrimp.
Species for applying closures such as shrimp, tuna, lobster and abalone, is of particular relevance due to its high commercial value and good performance in the world market, said the body of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA).
He stressed that among the crustaceans, shrimp contributes only four of every 10 dollars. Around 90 per cent of export is destined for the US market represents about $300 million.
Other species that have a high demand in foreign markets for their sustainable management and give international prestige to the Mexican fisheries are abalone and spiny lobster in the Pacific. around 90 per cent of the production of both products is exported, states CONAPESCA figures.
The Commission explained that closures are effective regulatory instruments that help to develop the national fisheries potential by 16,679 production units, more than 45,000 producers and more than 118,000 workers, which together generated in 2010 during a income in excess of nine billion pesos.
The country has more than 300 species of edible fish and shellfish, of which about 200 are consumed regionally and around a hundred have a wide commercial distribution in domestic and international markets.
Territorial extension closures
During 2010, the country temporary closures were implemented in 17 states coast to protect a number of species such as abalone, clams Catarina, tuna, croaker, olive ridley, red sea urchin, smooth, Liset, oysters, bond, conch, grouper, octopus, sea bass and shrimp, among others.
Some aquatic species, such as freshwater turtles, sharks and marine mammals totoaba, among others-are in permanent ban which has prohibited their capture or use throughout the year.
Seasonal Closures Increase Fish Production
MEXICO - The application of seasonal closures in coastal states and inland water bodies has contributed significantly to increased fish production in the last five years and has promoted the sustainable use of resources which are the direct source of income for more than 250,000 fishermen, said the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA).
