Riviera Maya, Q.R. — The state of Quintana Roo is part of the more than 4,200 tons of illegally caught fish products confiscated so far this year. In the first six months of 2025, the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission says they have seized over 4,200 tons of poached marine products and arrested 15 people.
Authorities also seized 7,689 unauthorized pieces of fishing gear, 220 vehicles, 79 boat motors, 107 small boats and four large boats.
The results, they say, is reflected in the strengthening in the fight against illegal fishing, a priority for the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure the responsible use of Mexico’s aquatic resources.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, through the National Commission for Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca), along with the Ministry of the Marina, carried out precautionary seizures of 4,265.8 tons of illegal fishery products in 18 states during the first half of this year.
The report from the General Directorate of Inspection and Surveillance, an area attached to Conapesca, details that in the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Colima, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Mexico City, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Yucatán and Quintana Roo, seizures were carried out as part of inspection and surveillance operations.
Conapesca fishing officers and Marina personnel also conducted 1,301 water tours, 7,955 land tours, installed 1,450 checkpoints and held 1,516 prevention-focused talks to combat illegal fishing and conserve marine ecosystems as well as to ensure the future of the industry while at the same time, that of the thousands of families who depend on this essential activity to strengthen the country’s food sovereignty.
In January, Conapesca inspectors seized a boat and poached fish from an Isla Mujeres vessel. Inspectors reported intercepting vessel José Antonio I as it arrived at the Puerto Juárez dock. On board, federal fishery inspectors found 2,000 kilos of illegally caught grouper.
Inspection efforts have also been stepped up in waters off Chetumal. At the start of the year, federal authorities said they would continue routine searches for poachers off coast of Chetumal.
Conapesca maintains the telephone line 669 915 6913 available to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to report illegal activities or file complaints.
