Carlos Alberto Tirado Pineda, Administration Council Chair for the Regional Federation of Fishing Cooperatives in the Biosphere Reserve, reported despite an Agreement on Sustainable Fishing and Protection of Fauna in the Northern Gulf of California, coastal fishing boats known as pangas are operating normally yet with a 30 – 60% drop in production.
Tirado Pineda explained between 80 to 150 pangas in search of this year’s “pink gold” are hauling in averages of only 10 to 20 kilos. In past years the average yield was 30 kilos. Upcoming tide changes, however, may lead to a boost in captures.
The Fishing Cooperative Chair explained they continue to seek dialogue with federal authorities, as well as word from the Intergovernmental Board on Development of the Northern Gulf of California, to address issues regarding the program and the agreement published in the Official Journal of the Federation.
He added several cooperatives are seeking collective protection against the Agreement, as it was published without taking into consideration the communities in the Upper Gulf of California.
Meanwhile, desperate due to the lack of income, coastal fishermen continue to use unofficial boat launches for their pangas as well as traditional nets to carry out activities in the Upper Gulf.