Mexico Yucatan Peninsula blue crab – dipnet/pot/trap

Project Background:

Pontchartrain Blue Crab (based in Louisiana, USA), and PESMAR, its Yucatan suppliers, launched a fishery improvement project in April 2013. A preliminary assessment against the Marine Stewardship Council Standard (July 2013) suggested the fishery would score in the 60-80 range.  The two lowest scores were for bycatch monitoring and information (PI 2.2.3) and for monitoring the performance of the management system (PI 3.2.5).  Mayaland Seafood LLC integrated to the project in this period.  A preliminary assessment against the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch criteria in 2015 found more information was needed on bycatch.  Leadership was turned to CeDePesca starting on 2019, a work plan was updated and activities were re-established.

Fishery Background:

Blue crab has a broad latitudinal distribution, from Nova Scotia to northern Argentina. Based on genetic and phylogenetic analysis, it is considered that there are two stocks in the Gulf of Mexico (GDAR, 2013).  The NE Gulf of Mexico stock along Florida state coast up to the Apalachee Bay, and a NW Gulf of Mexico stock occurring from Apalachicola Bay, Florida, to the west of the gulf. In Mexican waters, the fishery occurs in the states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche and Yucatán.  (SAGARPA, 2012)  

Callinectes sapidus inhabit estuarine and coastal waters and has a relatively short life span of 4.5 years. It reaches maturity between 12 and 18 months of age (Rosas-Correa & Jesus-Navarrete 2008). 

In order to access the fishery, a commercial permit is required. On April 18, 1974 the legal minimum size of 110 mm was established to protect juveniles of swimming crab species from the Gulf of Mexico, effective up to date. There is no Official Mexican Legislation (NOM) to regulate this fishery in the Gulf of Mexico.  

The blue crab fishery in the Yucatan Peninsula is an artisanal fishery where blue crab is caught by ring net/pot traps and sometimes with dipnets. It includes areas from the Mexican states of Campeche, Tabasco & Yucatan. Catches from these states represent 14% of swimming crab catches in Mexico. 70 % of the suppliers of the FIP catches are from Sabancuy and Isla Aguada, Campeche where Callinectes sapidus predominates, although “small blue crab” (Callinectes similis) and black swimming crab (Callinectes rathbuane) are eventually caught.  

This fishery is of social importance especially in some coastal communities in Campeche.   There are 263 fishing permits registered in Tabasco and 63 in Campeche. There are 371 small scale vessels registered in Campeche, there is no available number of vessels in Tabasco (CNP, 2018). 

Problems /Key issues in these fisheries are:

• Lack of information of the current status of the stocks
• Insufficient information of the diverse species caught
• Lack of a complete management strategy.
• Lack of systematic information about interactions with ecosystem components.
• Detected illegal fishing.

FIP Objectives

• By 2020, to improve knowledge of the fishery through a biological monitoring program. 
• By 2021, to contribute to the strengthening of the fishery management system and its compliance. 
• By 2021, to generate information regarding other components of the Ecosystem in which the fleet that supplies Pesmar operates.

Progress Update

2019

April- June 2019

A framework agreement for Mexico Grouper Fishery Improvement Project was signed by Pesmar – Pescados y Mariscos del Caribe, Pontchartrain Blue Crab, Mayaland Seafood LLC and CeDePesca  in mid April.

During this period work plan was updated and activities were re-established.  Data collection record was validated and was improved. A Biological Monitoring Program is taken place in the reception area of PESMAR processing plant and the reception center in Isla Aguada, Campeche.

On May 29th a Workshop with 20 fishermen had taken place in Sabancuy.  The objective was to present the FIP, seek for collaboration & present general information about the fishery.  After the meeting fishermen & their cooperatives committed to comply with reception criteria, to avoid leaving trash in the ocean & to bring trash that they may find in the ocean in order to help for an adequate disposal of it.

July-September 2019

Data collection is implemented from August 2018 to up to date and has been integrated in a database.  Preliminary results describe the population of the catches by the project. It demonstrates that 99% of the catches comply with the minimum legal size and that 98% of the blue crab is received alive and therefore complying with the Criteria for reception. The other 2% is discarded.

October-December 2019

During this period the monitoring actions continued. There are preliminary reports of the sampling results that include associated species, map with the origin of the production, among others.  Efforts were initiated to collaborate with EPOMEX researchers.

2020

January – March 2020

Catch Record Format that underwent several improvements to ensure it is functional and complete. Thanks to the above, since July 2018, a biological monitoring program was installed and catch records are taken in the Processing Plant facilities and in the Reception center.  

Since July 2018, the logbook began to describe the captured population of crabs that are delivered to PESMAR. Based on this information, a database is being built that will demonstrate that crab is not purchased below the minimum catch size, the species captured, the female-male ratio, species collected, among others.  

An updated database with information from July 2018-September 2019 is created.  It includes information registered at the reception of  Pesmar facilities. Currently the database is being cleaned and prepared to carry out the corresponding analyzes.  

One workshop has taken place in order to present the FIP to fishermen & permit holders, basic information of the fishery  & preliminary results of the records they are helping to implement.  Through periodic meetings, Pesmar’s suppliers (fishermen) have been involved in biological sampling, so that they understand the importance of recording information, the need to respect management measures and collaborate on the project and with authorities.  

The database is in construction in order to share it with the corresponding authorities.  Contacts have been made with researchers of Instituto Epomex to carry out this task but given the health emergency related to COVID-19 in the country, this task will be re-scheduled with a date to be confirmed.

Periodical visits to Pesmar facilities & Reception Centers  were made in order to present the Sustainability Section of the Quality Assurance Policy to collaborators, fishermen & permit holders.  Several activities as 1 workshop, special training events were developed.   The communication channel with Conapesca and Inapesca is established. Inapesca has worked on the blue crab management plan, but with the changes in government personnel it is not yet clear when will be completed.  

When the fishermen arrive to deliver their catch of the day, there are taken pictures of the accompanying fauna they bring on the boat or among the blue crabs. According to the same fishermen, most of what is caught is returned to the sea on the spot. This is evident due to the small number of organisms that arrive at the Reception Center. We are currently in the process of identifying these species 

Through surveys carried out on fishermen, a preliminary map was made that describes the fishing areas where the product received comes from.

April – September 2020

Biological monitoring stopped through the sanitary emergency generated by COVID-19.  Extraordinary measures were taken, some of them as follows. The Reception Center closed temporarily. Since food production is considered an essential activity the processing plant remained opened as possible, following protocols established by the Authorities.  Blue crab was received exclusively at the processing plant facilities. For several months, catches were diminished. 

Biological Monitoring Program results demonstrate that more than 99% of the blue crab received complies with the Minimum Legal Size and that less than 2% of the catches is received dead and needs to be discarded. Preliminary results corresponding to relative abundance, size structure, sex ratio, growth and sexual maturity are reported, but still in review. 

No workshops have taken place as a consequence of the COVID-19 sanitary emergency, though reception activities are used in order to discuss some important issues with fishermen when possible. This activities are being re-programmed.

The FIP represented by CeDePesca has become member of the Fisheries & Aquaculture Information & Investigation National Network (RNIIPA). The results of the Biological Monitoring Program are in review, so no official sharing has taken place in order to share it with the corresponding authorities.  

Contacts have been made with researchers of Instituto Epomex & other researchers to carry out this task but given the actual status of the health emergency related to COVID-19, this task is being re-scheduled with a date to be confirmed.

14 species were identified as species associated to the blue crab fishery and its fishermen. The crustaceans: lesser blue crab, locally known as “pata seca” (Callinectes similis), sharptooth swimcrab (Callinectes rathbunae),  hermit crab (Clibanarius vittatus), calico box crab (Hepathus epheliticus), stone crab (Menippe mercenaria), longnose spider crab  (Libinia dubia), and to the fish: checkered puffer (Sphoeroides testudineus), hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis), Western Atlantic seabream (Archosargus rhomboidalis), lined sole (Achirus lineatus), jenny mojarra (Eucinostomus gula) & mojarra (Diapterus rhombeus) are part of the associated fauna in the blue crab ring trap fishery in Isla Aguada and Sabancuy (Laguna de Términos) in Campeche. 

A Productivity and Susceptibility Analysis for the species identified was completed.  Results show that fishery poses a low risk to associated species. 

Through surveys carried out on fishermen, a preliminary map was made that describes the fishing areas where the product received comes from, areas need to be confirmed through GPS, this activity is waiting until sanitary conditions allow it.

2021

October 2020 – March 2021

Biological monitoring was diminished to its minimum through the sanitary emergency generated by COVID-19.  Blue crab was received exclusively at the processing plant facilities. For several months, catches were diminished, little by little catches have been regularized.  

Biological Monitoring Program results were used to analyze growth and develop a yield-per-recruit analysis.  Preliminary report show that fishery is at around maximum sustainable yield.  More analysis is needed to support this result. 

No workshops have taken place as a consequence of the COVID-19 sanitary emergency, though reception activities are used in order to discuss some important issues with fishermen when possible. This activities are being re-programmed.

The FIP represented by CeDePesca has presented preliminary reports to representants of INAPESCA, discussions of them are still in progress.  

Contacts have been made with researchers of Instituto Epomex & other researchers to carry out this task but given the actual status of the health emergency related to COVID-19, this task is being re-scheduled with a date to be confirmed.

Since the last update, sanitary emergency avoided the possibility of visiting the Reception Center and Pesmar Facilities.  Analysis of the results of monitoring program demonstrates compliance by fishermen with legal minimum size. 

Results of the biological monitoring program have been presented to INAPESCA in order to discuss them. 

April – September 2021

Although the biological monitoring program was diminished to its minimum through the sanitary emergency generated by COVID-19, it was modified and continued.  As a result, information has been generated on the FIP catches that fed the preliminary report of growth and yield per recruit, interviews with fishermen that include habitat information, among others. 

The biological monitoring program became a permanent action of the FIP.  It supervises catches to make sure they comply with local and FIP regulations, and collects biological information on catches, as well as through direct interviews with fishermen, collects habitat and socioeconomic information.  As a result, several analyzes have been presented such as growth analysis, yield per recruit and diverse reports have been developed to present to fishermen and stakeholders.  

The FIP represented by CeDePesca has presented preliminary reports to representants of INAPESCA, several activities for 2022 are in discussions with INAPESCA in order to present to fishermen in 2022.

Several research institutions recently worked on a study of the artisanal fisheries of the Yucatan Peninsula. The results have been recently presented and include information from the blue crab fishery. For now, there are no conditions to implement sampling from boats.  

Catch Record Format that underwent several improvements to ensure it is functional and complete. Thanks to the above, since July 2018, a biological monitoring program was installed and catch records are taken in the Processing Plant facilities and in the Reception center.

The Biological Monitoring Program continues at Pesmar Facilities.  Results demonstrates compliance by FIP fishermen with legal minimum size. 

Although the preparation of the blue crab management plan is scheduled, this activity has not been implemented by INAPESCA. However, some actions are being scheduled for 2022. From the results obtained after the growth and yield per recruit analysis, and the stock assessment, highlights the importance of promoting compliance with current regulations and local knowledge.  

A document that includes habitat and ecosystem updated information of Terminos Lagoon is presented with information updated until 2021. After the pandemic, some results have  been presented individually or discussed with fishermen and fishermen leaders and to INAPESCA. 

2022

October 2021 – March 2022

No workshops have taken place as a consequence of the COVID-19 sanitary emergency, though reception activities are used in order to discuss some important issues with fishermen when possible. Personal interviews were developed between nov-21 to jan-22 Interviews to fishermen and permit holders were held from November-December, 2021.  Information included knowledge of the fishery, market and social information in order to develop activities for complying with social policy.

Since no management plan or socialization program is being implemented by INAPESCA, the FIP developed personal interviews to obtain some information about the fishery (knowledge of the fishermen, market and social information) and used this moment to promote basic actions to protect the fishery: to respect minimum legal size, how this action  may improve their welfare, to respect Menippe mercenaria crab, and to get some information about grievance mechanisms knowledge. 

After the pandemic, some results have  been presented individually or discussed with fishermen and fishermen leaders and to INAPESCA. 

April – September 2022

Monitoring has continued in this period, some results will be presented in the 4WSFC Latin America & the Caribbean held in Merida (October 24-27, 2022). In this period Biological Monitoring Program results demonstrate that more than 98% of the blue crab received complies with the Minimum Legal Size and that less than 2% of the catches is received dead and needs to be discarded.   The catch composition has changed, previously 98% of Callinectes sapidus was registered, in this period more Callinectes rathbunae has been registered. 

Two workshops were organized in this period on August and September with participation of 120 fishermen, one of the workshops in collaboration with EPOMEX, and Isla Aguada Municipality. Personal interviews to fishermen and permit holders continued in this period.  The information gathered included knowledge of the fishery, market and social information in order to develop activities for complying with social policy.   

Based on the collaboration with EPOMEX and Isla Aguada Municipality, a training and research program for crab is being developed in the area. As first results, two workshops have been carried out, the presentation of part of the results obtained and the review of the swimming crab species in the area.

The Biological Monitoring Program continues at Pesmar Facilities promoting compliance with regulations.  INAPESCA is not working on the Management Plan, although they have gathered some information, however meetings were held to promote improvement in the regulation of fishery and the request was submitted to INAPESCA. We have not received an official response yet. Carta National Pesquera just published 26/07/2022 has recent information about fishery.  The fishery is considered at its maximum capacity of exploitation 

Since no management plan or socialization program is being implemented by INAPESCA, the FIP continues its work through workshops and collaboration with other stakeholders. Nevertheless,  blue crab fishery was one of the 15 fisheries that were updated in the National Fisheries Chart 2022.

In collaboration with EPOMEX a biological monitoring program in order to obtain habitat and ecosystem information is in preparation.   

2023

October 2022 – March 2023

Results were presented in the 4WSFC Latin America & the Caribbean held in Merida (October 24-27, 2022). Biological Monitoring Program results demonstrate that more than 96% of the blue crab received complies with the Minimum Legal Size and that less than 2% of the catches is received dead and needs to be discarded. The catch composition shows Callinectes rathbunae catches continue increasing. 

Two workshops were organized in this period on September, 2022 and March 2023.  On March, several mini-workshops were held with suppliers and collaborators.  Since they have a diverse time availability, we adapted our talks and on the same day presented 4 mini-workshops that included biological, ecological and social policy information.    

One workshop have been carried out that included  the presentation of some results and the review of the swimming crab species in the area.

The Biological Monitoring Program continues at Pesmar Facilities promoting compliance with regulations.  A proposal was presented again in order to ensure that INAPESCA include blue crab in the update of the NOM-039-PESC-2003 and its management plan.   We have not received an official response yet.  In the Carta National Pesquera published on 26/07/2022 management strategies include effort control, minimum size, release of ovigerous females, the last two are actually being implemented. 

Since no management plan or socialization program is being implemented by INAPESCA, the FIP continues its work through workshops and collaboration with other stakeholders.

April – September 2023

An updated Biological Monitoring Program was maintained on 2023 in order to develop more information about Callinectes rathbunae and keep information about Callinectes sapidus. Biological Monitoring Program results demonstrate that more than 95% of the blue crab received complies with the Minimum Legal Size and that less than 3% of the catches is received dead and needs to be discarded.   Since suppliers have changed and most of the catches come from Isla Aguada, Palo Alto and Atasta, the catch composition had changed.  The catch from Atasta includes blue crab brought from northern areas, thus, more C. rathbunae is included in the catch. 

The results of the monitoring, as well as the social policy and biological information of the species, were presented to the fishermen in search of improving their practices. This is very relevant given the increase in the catch and sale of soft crab of sublegal sizes, since although the FIP does not promote its commercialization, fishermen sell it when they have the opportunity due to the economic advantages it represents. Analysis and discussions were carried out with the fishermen to make them see the importance of at least returning the juvenile females to their fishing grounds and thereby promoting the development of the species. Some of them agreed but greater impetus is still required for this measure. 

Inapesca is carrying out a Monitoring Program as well as a fishery analysis with the collaboration of TNC and Washington University.  The FIP is collaborating with this initiative, some of the relevant results are the improved data base, robust stock assessments, and the analysis of the Management Plan that is in construction.

Promotion of the fishery regulations is maintained by FIP partners and presented to every supplier.  The FIP is collaborating with INAPESCA in the activities they invited us to improve the fishery as the Fish path workshop that took place in April. The Management Plan has not been presented but Inapesca had improved databases and is improving information of fishery.   

Since no management plan or socialization program is being implemented by INAPESCA, the FIP continues its work through workshops and collaboration with other stakeholders until this process starts.

2024

October 2023 – March 2024

A basic Monitoring Program is implemented in order to continue collecting information on catch sizes and to maintain the issue in top of mind of fishermen promoting the compliance with the minimum legal size. 

Participation in the Mazaraya Festival developed for fishermen from Campeche, with the presentation of blue crab information, among other activities.  Participation of FIP members in the update analysis of the Management plan of octopus, as blue crab  is considered and important bait for octopus. 

Promotion of the fishery regulations is maintained by FIP partners and presented to every supplier.  The FIP is collaborating with IMIPAS (Former INAPESCA) in the activities they invited us to improve the fishery, an update of the Stock Assessment is being developed by IMIPAS, former INAPESCA and it is expected an update in 2024.  

A special workshop is in preparation in order to have an update of the scientific information in regard the fishery.

April – September 2024

The Monitoring Program has collected information on catch sizes and species.   Compliance of minimum legal size is required to fishers and used to educate them.  During this period Callinectes sapidus represents 85% of the catch, but specially during rainy season C. rathbune is present.  

In order to promote coordination between authorities and universities, as well as deepen our knowledge of the species, together with IMIPAS, we coordinated  a crab collaboration workshop in July 2024.  The latest actions carried out by everyone were presented and collaboration will continue.

Promotion of the fishery regulations is maintained by FIP partners and presented to every supplier.  IMIPAS, former INAPESCA has initiated the socialization process in several communities. A special workshop took place in July 2024 in order to present advances by researches, organizations and government.

The Biological Monitoring Program continues.  The more reported species in this period are  the fish checkered puffer (Sphoeroides testudineus), jenny mojarra (Eucinostomus gula) & mojarra (Diapterus rhombeus), the last two  commonly used for auto consumption.  A final report will be presented on December 2024.