Fishery Improvement Project

Last Update: June 2023

Species:

• Red Grouper (Epinephelus morio)
• Black Grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci)

FIP Stage according to CASS progress table: 4, FIP is delivering improvement in practices

FIP Rating according to SFP rating system: B (Basic – Good Progress, March 2024)

FIP Rating according to MSC benchmarking tool (based on red grouper): Initial (June 2014): 0.50;  Second (Oct 2015): 0.50; Current (March 2024): 0.52;

[* In September 2016, CeDePesca translated the original scores of this FIP (set against the MSC standard v1.3) to the MSC standard v2.0.  The rationale for the setting of scores for the updated performance indicators is shown here.  As of that date, the MSC BMT scores are to be issued against the MSC standard v2.0.]

FIP Profile at FisheryProgress.org: Mexico (Yucatan) red and black grouper FIP – longline (June 2023)

Fishery Location:
Campeche Bank in Gulf of México

FIP Coordination: If you would like more information about the FIP or if wish to support it, please contact Minerva Alonso.

FIP Participants:

• Combamar
• Cooperativa La Pobre de Dios (local producer)
• Encervsa, S. A. de C. V.
• Federación Regional de Sociedades Cooperativas Pesqueras, Turísticas, Acuícolas y artesanales del Estado de Yucatán
• Grupo Zaso
• Gulf Fresh S. A. de C.V.
• Pescados y Mariscos del Caribe S.A (PESMAR)
• Pescados y Mariscos del Golfo de México
• CeDePesca (technical coordination)

Sustainability Information

• Red Grouper
• Black Grouper

Publicly Announced Date: April 2014

Current Improvement Recommendations:

• Establishment of a consistent recovery strategy, through the reduction of fishing efforts.
• Define a research plan that includes data collection of target and non-target species of the fishery and the impacts on ecosystems function.
• Help establish participatory mechanisms both to collect information and to disseminate the results of scientific analysis.
• Discussion of measures that allows a more reliable statistics system.
• Establishment of an adequate Management plan based on stock assessments to control harvest levels.
• Establishment of a participatory mechanism to assess the performance of the Management plan.

Background:

Red grouper and black grouper are two of the main species harvested in a mixed demersal fishery at the Bank of Campeche. They are caught using bottom longlines. Traditionally, three fleets have been active: Mexican industrial (about 515 vessels) and artisanal vessels (about 6,000 vessels) and a small fishery specific Cuban industrial fleet, the latter no longer active.

This fishery is of extreme social importance for Yucatan coastal communities, since more than 10 thousand families make a livelihood of it, and this fishery sustain families´ incomes between the seasons of more profitable fisheries such as octopus, lobster and sea cucumber.

In past years, red grouper has been the most important specie, but industry reports that more recently black grouper is predominant, although this is not the case in the artisanal sector. This fishery is an important source of livelihood in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Red grouper has a marine estuarine dependent life cycle. They spawn off-shore, migrate in-shore to bays and lagoons as larva before migrating once again as juveniles. Black grouper spawn area is unknown. Red and Black grouper are slow-growing fishes that begin life as females and transition to males.

A number of management measures have been implemented – most notably limited entry (that is not effective in the artisanal fishery), a closed season to protect spawning aggregations, a minimum landing size (not effective) and a minimum hook size. The fishery is seasonal with the total level of effort in a year very much dependent on the opportunities in the more profitable fisheries for octopus and beche-de-mer. In fact, the option to switch fisheries is probably one of the most important characteristics reducing effort on the grouper stocks and preventing or delaying their collapse.

In the past, substantial research has been carried out on many aspects of the red grouper stock and the biology of the species is well known. From the research it is clear that the species is over fished and over fishing is continuing; the stock is below the limit reference point defined by INAPESCA of 78,000 mt and substantially below the target reference point of 124,478 mt (50 % of the estimated virgin biomass).

In contrast, little is known about black grouper.

In October 2014, CeDePesca issued a Proposal for the Management of Groupers and Associated species which has been being disseminated since then between authorities, industry and fishermen.

In November 2014, the ruling document, “Plan de Manejo de Mero y especies asociadas” (Management Plan for Grouper and Associated species) was published. Even if it has been a progress having this official document in place, it has not introduced substantial progress to the management system of the fishery.

In February 2015, Conapesca published a measure to increase the fishing closure from one to two months, from February 1^st to March 31^st.  However, in 2016, the fishing closure operated only from February 1^st until March 11^th.

Problems /Key issues in these fisheries are:

• Lack of implementation of effective management strategies to regulate fishing effort.
• Insufficient information on fisheries by-catch species.
• Lack of systematic information about interactions with ecosystem components.
• Lack of incentives for sustainable fishing.

FIP Objectives

• Collaborate to develop a consistent recovery strategy, through the reduction of fishing effort and control of harvest levels.
• Collaborate in the establishment of a management system reform to rebuild overfished stocks.
• Promote implementation of an adequate Research Plan and the timely dissemination of results.
• Conduct a Risk Analysis.

Progress Update

2014

January-March 2014

Framework agreement for Mexico Grouper Fishery Improvement Project was signed by Sea-Delight Ocean Fund, Inc., Atlántida del Sur, S.A. de C.V and CeDePesca in mid January.

In March, FIP partners contracted Intertek Moody Marine to conduct an MSC pre-assessment.

April-June 2014

In May, there were several contacts with stakeholders through meetings of the Grouper System Committee of Yucatán (Comité Estatal Sistema Producto Mero Yucatán). In late May, the MSC pre-assessment draft was received and a FIP workplan was developed.

In June, the FIP workplan was presented to stakeholders at a meeting that took place on June 4th 2014 in Progreso, México. The final draft of the MSC pre-assessment was received in mid-June and is being translated into Spanish in order to make it available to stakeholders.

July-September 2014

In July, CeDePesca participated in a workshop organized by the CONMECOOP (Confederación Mexicana de Cooperativas Pesqueras y Acuícolas, Mexican Confederation of fisheries and aquaculture cooperatives) as an advisor to analyze and develop a group of proposals to improve Fisheries and Aquaculture Governance where the grouper case was presented.

Along the quarter several meetings have been conducted to promote the establishment of a consistent recovery strategy for Grouper fisheries and related species; participating FIP suppliers, fishermen, processors and exporters leaders with local and Federal Authorities leaded by Comite Sistema Producto Mero and accompanied by CeDePesca. Among other initiatives, there is a wide consensus to enhance the closure season from one to two months as of 2015.

In September, CeDePesca organized a meeting to disseminate good Chilean artisanal fisheries practices. Mr. José Alvarado, President of the Artisanal Fishermen Federation of Hualaihue, involved in a FIP in Chile, presented “Learning from experience: How Chile’s artisanal hake fisheries have been organized with the participation of fishermen” to local Fishermen from Dzilam de Bravo and Telchac, Yucatan. The purpose was to introduce a discussion about rights-based options as a solution to rebuild and keep sustainable the grouper fishery.

In September, Federal Government initiated a regional survey and workshops to discuss the document called “Management Plan for grouper and associated species”. This document will be complement of the existing regulations.   CeDePesca, stakeholders, fishermen leaders, scientists and Government Officials from Quintana Roo and Yucatán will be participating in the discussions. The first discussion meeting in Yucatan will take place on December 3^th-4^th in Mérida.

October-December 2014

In October, within the frame of resolution NOM-065-PESC-2007 to regulate groupers and associated species fisheries and after a discussion with FIP partners, CeDePesca presented its Proposal for Management of Campeche Bank Grouper and Associated Species and started to introduce the proposal with local stakeholders.

In November 25^th, 2014 the official document: “Plan de Manejo Pesquero de Mero (Epinephelus morio) y especies asociadas en la Península de Yucatán” was published in the Official Mexican Government Law Journal.  Some of the key objectives established in the document are to promote protection of reproduction through modifying the closure season from one to two months and to protect juveniles through the modification of the minimum hook size and size limits.   This Law is the frame reference to develop the management strategy for the fishery. Although it is an advance to have this frame document, it does not introduce substantial progress to the current management frame.

2015

January-March 2015

In January and February, despite the “Management Plan” approved in November 2014 and several discussions with authorities and local leaders to promote strategies that could help the fishery, no agreements had been taken, and finally the closure will be just for one month.  However, a measure was published by CONAPESCA in late February to increase the fishing closure from one to two months as of the 2016 season.

Since February, along the fishing closure, CeDePesca has been developing workshops in different communities to discuss its proposal with local fishermen in San Felipe, Progreso, Rio Lagartos, Las Coloradas and Chuburná, with the participation of 186 fishermen that were able to hear scientific information of the fishery, a case of successful management in Chile, and our proposal. It was perceptible a collective surprise when the fishermen realized the magnitude of the problem, and the importance of taking effective long term actions.

April-June 2015

Following discussions between authorities and local leaders at the State Fishery Council which took place last June, agreements were finally reached to accept a two months fishing closure during 2016, in accordance to current laws. Most of CeDePesca’s specific proposals for improving the fishery were included in the document presented by the Grouper Fishery Sector (Fishermen and business owners representing the Yucatan fishing communities) and presented directly to local and federal authorities.

July-September 2015

Several Local Committees had been formed in order to review fishing vessel permits and registered fishermen in mayor Coastal Communities. Celestun, Dzilam de Bravo, San Felipe and Rio Lagartos are working already in regards to this matter.  Local leaders participate from these Committees and will present their review to authorities; this is the first step in order to update information that will help to control illegal fishing. On September 8^th and 9^th , the State Government and FAO developed a workshop to analyze and validate specific actions to be included in the document: “Plan Rector de la Pesca y Acuacultura del estado de Yucatan”.   This document is scheduled to be published on January 2016, and it contains some actions that if taken, can help Yucatan fisheries in general and the grouper fishery in particular in attaining sustainability.  Special attention to Yucatan had been taken by Federal Government since General Directors of SAGARPA, CONAPESCA and INAPESCA have visited Yucatan and analyzed with local leaders the problems related to fisheries.

October-December 2015

In accordance with the FIP objective of implementing a management plan based on updated and accurate information and a participatory scheme, the local Committees officially named as “Fisheries Management Nautical Committees” (Comités Nauticos de Ordenamiento Pesquero) -with official recognition by the State Government- were established in Sisal, Progreso, Chelem, Telchac and other coastal communities.  Their more relevant work will be to validate and update the fishermen census in order to initiate discussions to update fisheries permits and to fairly distribute the closure season subsidies. This validated information will also be important to determine real fishing effort.

This is not the first time that these Committees have been summoned, but fishermen were reluctant to participate because of a past lack of results.  CeDePesca-Yucatan followed closely the development of the negotiations, in order to encourage fishermen to fully participate and make this tool effective.

Along this quarter, CeDePesca also held discussions with recognized local scientists, in order to determine what would be the most important and practical information that fishermen should provide in order to improve the stock assessments.

2016

January-March 2016

During this period, a group of recently published ruling documents set the opportunity for official discussions of effective management strategies, including a quota-per-fleet system in order to regulate fishing effort.

The draft version of “Ordenamiento Pesquero de mero en la Península de Yucatan” (Grouper Fisheries Management in the Yucatan Peninsula) published on January, includes among other strategies, the possibility of establishing a Catch Quota System per fleet.

During an extraordinary session of the Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Council of Yucatan, the document “Plan Rector para el Desarrollo de la Pesca y la Acuacultura Sostenibles de Yucatán” (Guiding Plan for Sustainable Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Yucatan) was presented, along with “Diagnóstico de los Sectores de la Pesca y la Acuacultura en el Estado de Yucatán” (Diagnosis of the Fisheries and Aquaculture sectors in the State of Yucatan). These documents describe among others, the importance of reducing fishing mortality in order to promote sustainability, and the need of improving our knowledge of by-catch species related to grouper fishery. CeDePesca played an important role in the preparation of this documents.

At the same time, CeDePesca worked with fishermen from Chicxulub Port in order to improve Good Manufacturing Practices and to promote a better register of catches.

In February, Handy International was welcomed to the FIP.  An updated  Framework Collaboration Agreement was signed to this effect, as was a Specific Agreement for 2016.

In early March, in the context of Boston’s Seafood Expo North America, Chefs Trading and Quirch Foods expressed their interest in becoming part of the FIP.  An addendum to the Framework Collaboration Agreement has been already signed to welcome Chefs Trading, as well as a Specific Agreement for 2016.

On the other hand, on March 16^th, a second addendum was signed to welcome local exporter Pescados y Mariscos del Caribe (PESMAR), as well as a Specific Agreement for 2016.

April-June 2016

In April, a third addendum to the Framework Collaboration agreement was signed welcoming Quirch Foods to the FIP partners group, as well as a Specific Agreement for 2016.

On the other hand, the FIP workplan for 2016 was revised by CeDePesca considering the recent inclusion of new partners.

Also in April, a workshop took place with fishermen from Chabihau Port in order to present information of grouper fishery and the FIP’s management proposal.

As of May, data collection activities related to the FIP have started in the communities of Sisal and Chicxulub Port with the participation of fishers, in order to improve current information on the grouper fishery.  Although, the data collected so far is useful, some improvements will be made to make the process easier and more straightforward.

July-September 2016

In July, CeDePesca conducted a presentation for skippers at the “Sea Fest Fish Tournament” in order to provide information about the Mexican grouper fishery and promote awareness of the importance of following regulations.

From August 16^th to 18^th, CeDePesca participated from a workshop on “Fisheries management through diverse property rights based system”.  From August 30^th to 31^st, CeDePesca and FIP members participated from the workshop “Regional FIP: México, Centroamerica and Caribe”.   Discussions related to the global FIPs landscape, structure and design of FIPs took place with several non-governmental organizations, government representatives and researchers.

CeDePesca collaborated in the organization and promotion of a meeting of the “Barco Abierto” initiative jointly with the Fisheries Group of CINVESTAV.  The meeting was held on September 9^th to discuss with stakeholders the 10 proposals related to fisheries management improvement to be presented on October 4^th to national Senators.   The meeting took place at Cinvestav and there were about 24 participants from the Government, scientific institutes, fishers, private sector among others.

Also in September, a document presenting CeDePesca’s position in relation to the grouper fishery and on why the sea cucumber quota system had failed in Yucatan was sent to several authorities and media outlets.

October-December 2016

On October 4^th, CeDePesca took part in the “Workshop for the Follow-up of the First Forum for Strengthening Participation in Fisheries Public Policy”.  The workshop took place at the Mexican Senate and the results from the “Barco Abierto” initiative that aims at promoting the improvement of fisheries policy through social participation were officially presented.

From October 17^th to 21^st, CeDePesca and FIP members participated from the workshops on sustainability and fisheries certification that were organized by the Mexican Senate.   This event was organized by the Senate’s Fisheries Commission and offered a very important forum to present the challenges faced by this FIP.  It is expected that this presentation will provoke top-level discussions among decision makers.

On the other hand, CeDePesca`s Proposal for the Management of Groupers and Associated species was presented to Senator Ernesto Ruffo Appel and Senator Diva Gastelum Bajo, President and Secretary of the Fisheries Commission of the Mexican Senate.

On November 22^nd, CeDePesca participated from the Symposium “México as part of the International Fisheries Activities” that also took place at the Mexican Senate.   During this event, CeDePesca shared its experience as an active stakeholder in the management of diverse shared fisheries in Latin America, as well as its approach towards finding a path for improving fisheries sustainability.

In the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity`s 13^th Conference of the Parties (COP 13), CeDePesca participated in the Fisheries Sustainability Meeting to raise awareness on fishery improvement needs.

During this quarter, data collection activities related to the grouper fishery have continued with the participation of fishers and FIP partners.  Although the data collected so far is useful, it still needs to be strengthened.  The database has been offered to several local researchers in order to promote collaborations and improve basic data collection efforts.

On December 17^th, ten fishermen leaders participated in the workshop “Grouper Fisheries at Yucatan:  Obstacles and the search for solutions” organized by CeDePesca.  At this workshop, local leaders analyzed the problems they are facing and a discussion of the possible future scenarios faced by the fishery took place.

Regarding the fishing closure for 2016, authorities had first decided that the two-month closure would be effective in two periods: from February 1^st to March 11^th, 2016 and from December 15^th 2016 to January 3^rd 2017.  This second period was not implemented by authorities because of social pressure, and a new commitment has been made to respect the rule in 2017.  In this regard, it should be noted that artisanal and semi-industrial fishers reported that during the last two weeks of December, they only worked for 5 and 10 days respectively due to climate conditions.

On the other hand, on December 23^rd, CeDePesca sent a letter to the CRIP-Yucaltepén informing them on the new measures taken by the State of Florida (USA) in regards to minimum import sizes and requesting participation in the Grouper Management Committee.

2017

January-March 2017

On January 12^th-13^th at Merida, CeDePesca participated of the VII Meeting on Fishing Management Alternatives where discussions on Mexican fisheries took place.  A poster explaining the FIP was presented at the meeting.

Also, two meetings with fishers took place in order to present the “Committee of Sustainable Management of the Grouper Fishery”.  The goal of the meetings was to promote fishers involvement and to help them achieve a better understanding of the responsibilities, scope and possible status of this figure that is expected to be set by CONAPESCA in the near future.

On March 20^th, FIP partners carried out a meeting at the Seafood Expo North America in Boston to present the advances of the FIP.  Also, at the trade show, the opportunity was seized to discuss the FIP with the National Fisheries Commissioner (CONAPESCA).

Also during this quarter, a two-month fishing closure was effective from February 1^st to March 30^th for the first time.  The legal document setting up the measure was updated on March 3^rd to expand the closure area to include the state of Tabasco.

On the other hand, FIP partners have welcomed Orca Seafoods, Comercial Oceánica and Netuno USA into the project.

April-June 2017

During this quarter, CeDePesca has been taking part of the collaborative initiative “Barco Abierto” to promote the strengthening of social participation in the setting of National Fisheries Policy.  Meetings were conducted on April 26^th and on June 21^st at the Mexican Senate, aiming at promoting the improvement of fisheries policy through social participation.  Currently, a specific proposal that includes all the voices that had been part of the initiative is taking form and is being reviewed by the Technical Commission of the Fisheries Commission of the Senate.

The Senate’s Fisheries Commission and CONAPESCA are promoting social participation through Regional Consultation Forums.  On June 3^rd, CeDePesca presented its proposals for the Mexican grouper fishery at the “Regional Consultation Forum with Fisheries and Aquaculture Sectors of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico toward Sustainable Fisheries”, that took place at the University del Sur, in Cancun, Quintana Roo.  Some of the initiatives that were presented were:

• The need to establish the “Committee of Sustainable Management of the Grouper Fishery” either only for Grouper or including other important species of the region;
• The need to avoid illegal fishing through a better control of legal documentation; and,
• The need to implement a special register so no artisanal boat is sold without the according permits.

Also during this quarter, in continuing to raise awareness in the community, CeDePesca presented the FIP to students of the career on “Sustainable Management of Coastal Zones” of the National University of Mexico (UNAM) on April 5^th at the UMDI in Sisal.  The presentation aimed at raising awareness on the challenges faced by the grouper fishery and at presenting the FIP and its progress.  In addition, in collaboration with representatives 2 elementary school students and to high-school 3^rd grade students in Sisal, Yucatán.   These kids and teenagers are fishers’ sons and daughters and some of them are expected to become fishers as well.  This initiative will continue to be improved and repeated in local fishing communities to promote awareness and knowledge of fishery challenges.

July-September 2017

A special meeting with fishers who represent 17 cooperatives took place in Chicxulub Port on July 8^th in order to present information about the project and to present the “Committee of Sustainable Management of the Grouper Fishery”.  The goal of the meetings was to promote fishers involvement in solving the issue of having uncertain catch records and to help them achieve a better understanding of the responsibilities, scope and possible status of this figure that is expected to be set by CONAPESCA in the near future.

Also, CeDePesca has been following up with the collaborative initiative “Barco Abierto” to promote the strengthening of social participation in the setting of the National Fisheries Policy.  On September 6^th, modifications to articles 1, 2. 22, 22 bis, 23. 23 bis, and some transitories were presented and analyzed.  This is the last meeting in order to be analyzed by the Fisheries Commission and to be presented to the Mexican Congress.

Also during this quarter, data collection activities related to the grouper fishery have continued with the participation of fishers and FIP partners.

On the other hand, in August, FIP partners have welcomed Combamar into the project.

October-December 2017

As part of the project Implementation of the Strategic Action Program of the Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem” FAO is taking some actions to promote the conservation and restoration of the coastal and marine ecosystem through community participation. Within this framework, CeDePesca had a meeting with FAO representative to analyze the grouper fishery problematic and promote coordination of actions.  

On October 27th, CeDePesca gave a conference to students of the career on “Sustainable Management of Coastal Zones” of the National University of Mexico (UNAM) at the UMDI in Sisal.  This conference was a follow up to promote the analysis of local fisheries problematics, seek for possible solutions, and provide them with different qualitative tools.

CeDePesca participated in the 70th Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute at Mérida, México and the TBTI sessions analyzing artisanal fisheries in the Caribbean and Latin America.  At the special session of Gender in Fisheries Team (GIFT) our mexican representative Minerva Alonso was recognized by her leadership seeking for fisheries sustainability.

On October at Merida, CeDePesca participated of the Introduction Workshop of Right Based Fisheries Management (RBFM) organized by EDF.  Representatives from local leaders, managers and scientists reunited to have a better understanding of RBFM.

In order to share lessons learned, successes, and challenges across PROME´s, CeDePesca presented the Mexican grouper case at the Latin America FIP Community of Practice Workshop form November 14th to 16th at Viña del Mar Chile.  Several members of the FIP and Mexican authorities assisted the discussions.

As part of an analysis to develop a proposal of a public policy model for agriculture, food and forestry sectors CeDePesca participated as an expert in a virtual interview to analyze fisheries issues developed by the National Agricultural Council bringing our experience in Latin America Fisheries.  

In December the “Committee of Sustainable Management of the Grouper Fishery” had been implemented participating Conapesca, Inapesca and 8 local leaders, 4 of them representing artisanal fisheries and the other 4 representing industrial fisheries. It is a great achievement, in which several organizations have contributed and which we hope will be the basis for a fastest improvement of the fishery.

Conapesca, CeDePesca and Fubigemar signed an agreement to develop the project “Strengthening the Management of the Grouper Fishery and Associated Species at Yucatan and Quintana Roo”.  Within this Project CeDePesca will implement 76 events with local fishermen in order to promote a better register of their catches, raise awareness on the challenges faced by the grouper fishery and seek for collaborative solutions, among others.  These events will take place in 26 coastal communities of Yucatan and Quintana Roo.

2018

January-June 2018

As part of the project “Strengthening the Management of the Grouper Fishery and Associated Species at Yucatan and Quintana Roo”.  Within this Project CeDePesca implemented 70 events with the participation of 1241 local fishermen in order to promote a better register of their catches, raise awareness on the challenges faced by the grouper fishery and seek for collaborative solutions, among others.  These events took place in 26 coastal communities of Yucatan and Quintana Roo. This project expects to encourage the improvement of fishing registry and the implementation of traceability programs.

As a result of the collaboration with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Committee of the LXIII congress legislature, we participated in the «Meeting of the Legislative Power with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) dedicated to Fisheries and Aquaculture issues in the Senate of the Republic. This event presented the results of the collaboration with the Senate in which we participated for the last two years.  

As part of the continuous data collection among fishers and exporters, the database is being extended permanently.

On February 14-15 CeDePesca  shared lessons learned, challenges and opportunities in the Grouper Artisanal Fishery in the “Latin American Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum, 2018”.  

July-December 2018

In order to raise awareness in the domestic market regarding the importance of not indulging in buying illegal practices, links with key restaurant sector were established.   Collaboration with Chefs and restaurants through the Initiative: I take care for grouper… (“Yo Cuido al Mero…) The initiative was presented through a press conference chaired by local and federal government authorities and representants of fishermen and seafood industry. Awareness information is being  presented through tentcards, cards at local restaurants and special events and disseminated through social media. Two local hotels, twelve Chefs and one Chef School are already participating in the initiative raising awareness and promoting consumption of sustainable products.

As a member of COMEPESCA, we promoted the participation of 9 new local chefs as Ambassadors of the #pesca con futuro initiative. We actively collaborate in the Editorial Committee and the Board meetings in order to contribute and to promote alignment of the work program with sustainability of fisheries.  

Fisheries and Aquaculture Yucatan Secretary undertook to include a dissemination campaign in his work program to support the dissemination of messages in order to promote grouper responsible consumption and avoid illegal fishing.  This campaign is already in preparation and is to be initiated as of February 2019 during the fishing closure.

In November 2018, educational workshops were imparted to 120 students from 5th and 6th grade elementary school at the coastal Community of Celestun in collaboration with representatives of UMDI-SISAL named “Fish for the Future”.   These kids are fishers’ sons and daughters and some of them are expected to become fishers as well.  Furthermore, Celestun is recognized as one of the coastal communities with more social conflicts and illegal fishing in the Yucatan.    

Two workshops were held in october-november, in collaboration with Causa Natura, A.C. in order to improve our work through incidence in public policies.  We analyzed the root cause that permits illegal fishing and slows traceability of products  and generated specific actions in collaboration with fishermen.

Since its formation in  December 2017, the “Committee of Sustainable Management of the Grouper Fishery” had held 10 meetings.   Conapesca, Inapesca and 8 local leaders, 4 of them representing artisanal fisheries and the other 4 representing industrial fisheries participate in it. Its work stands for collaboration of several stakeholders and collaboration analyzing and generating specific actions to improve the fishery.  The National Executive Director of INAPESCA chaired the seventh meeting. Some of the topics analyzed along the meetings are specific collaboration actions to avoid illegal fishing, analysis of fishery rules, collaboration and better organization between government institutions among others.

2019

January-April 2019

Three meetings of the “Committee of Sustainable Management of the Grouper Fishery” had taken place in this period.  The most relevant issues taken into consideration in those meetings are: collaborations with the purpose of improving inspection and surveillance especially during the grouper closure, coordination of actions between agencies (SEMAR, SPV, SEPASY among others), organized fishing sector and NGOs, reports of illegal fishing to the authorities, among others.  As part of our collaboration with the state government we participated in the workshop to develop the “Yucatan State Plan to develop fishing and aquaculture sectors”.

As a member of Comepesca and representative of the grouper fishery, we collaborated in the development of three videos of sustainability of grouper, swimming crab and octopus. The videos were presented in a special event to the organized fishing sector, journalists, state authorities and a representative of Conapesca on January 17 in Mérida. These videos have been delivered and disseminated through social networks to our partners, fishermen, authorities and journalists. CeDePesca promoted its continuous presentation in some of the restaurants that collaborate with the grouper project. Before the recent change of federal government, on January 31 we participated in an event at the CDMX to present the activities of Comepesca to the Director of Development of Conapesca.

In this period the integration of the «Committee of Sustainable Management of the Grouper Fishery» with the «Network of Researchers of Grouper» was formalized. Given the limitations in state and federal funds to carry out actions around the fishery as the first concrete action of collaboration, the workshop «Establishment of priorities in the research and management of the grouper fishery» carried out on March 7, 2019 with the participation of around 50 people representing authorities, researchers, fishing leaders and ONG’s.

One of the consequences of the recent change of federal government is the transformation of federal institutions. As part of this transformation since last December, powers have been removed from the fishing federal subdelegates in such a way that they can not sign official documents permits and other government actions. During this period, all the procedures must be sent to the central offices, increasing costs, making the procedures difficult and increasing the response time itself. Given this situation, the State Fisheries Council was established, opening the possibility of collaboration to other fisheries and strengthening the integration of collaboration between authorities and the organized fishing sector. In this meeting State fisheries and aquaculture secretariat (SEPASY) presented the updated sector information obtained during the grouper closure.

May-July 2019

The “Committee for the Sustainable Management of the Grouper Fishery” held two  meetings in this period working collaboratively. As part of the commitments established in these meetings SEPASY had developed at least two strategic actions:  a communication strategy to inform general public about the fishery including sport fishing and initiated the Census to update information about fishermen (legal and illegal) and fishing vessels.  

A special meeting with around 100 Telchac Puerto fishermen had been held in order to disseminate scientific information of the status of the grouper fishery.

A traceability proposal has been presented to the Comittee for the Sustainable Management of the Grouper Fishery in the 13th meeting held on june 13th.  This proposal includes the use of an electronic platform for fishing registration with technology developed in Mérida. The objective is to achieve a rapprochement between the developer and the organized fishing population and the government that allows its use at an accessible price. The proposal was accepted, the approaches are being carried out in order to build the bridges to eventually achieve its implementation.  Some problems must be solved before this can be implemented as of the Census and registration of legal vessels must be updated before its implementation and find external support in order to decrease costs.  

Aug-Oct 2019

The “Committee for the Sustainable Management of the Grouper Fishery” held one  meeting in this period. Several proposals were presented in order to protect grouper populations as an increment in minimum legal size, closure, and the implementation of Fishing Shelter Areas.  No agreements were established, however the Fishing Shelter Areas were the management tool with the highest level of approval.  

The Latin American Summitt of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sustainability was held in Mérida on September 5th and 6th.  Discussions in relation to sustainability, certifications, markets, investment, success stories and trends were held. Our partners shared experiences and work done by the FIP and other stakeholders.  As members of Comepesca, we collaborated in the organization of it.  

Oct-Dec 2019

The Open Government Partnership is an initiative with the objective of building commitments that contribute to transparency, accountability, citizen participation and technological innovation in governments, in order to strengthen governance and fight corruption.  Along the year we participated in the meetings to build the upcoming 4th action plan named as “Citizen advocacy for sustainable rural development” that includes fisheries and aquaculture sectors.  This initiative will be launched officially in January 2020.

Two workshops were held in this period, the first one in collaboration with Causa Natura, A.C. in order to present the initiative “Pescando datos” to fishermen and sector representatives in order to make it available.  The second one was a presentation of “The grouper fishery, an insight to quotas per fleet  and Fishing Shelter Areas”, to fishermen in Telchac Puerto on November 19th.

The «Network of Researchers of Grouper» is preparing a book of the research results in regard of grouper fishery.  The FIP is collaborator in the chapter dedicated to management.  

An introductory presentation in the launch of the “Colectivo Maya”, a public commitment of regional chefs in order to promote the voice of sustainability and support the market of sustainable fish.

2020

January-April 2020 

An update on the grouper fishery research needs was presented to the new CRIAPY director, in order to follow up with the work program. Today, INAPESCA is preparing the population assessment for black grouper, which is expected to be published this same year. 

Two workshops with fishermen leaders were held in this period, the first one in collaboration with Causa Natura, A.C. in order to present the initiative “Pescando datos” to fishermen and sector representatives to make it available.  The second one was a presentation of “The grouper fishery, an insight to quotas per fleet and Fishing Shelter Areas”, to fishermen in Telchac Puerto on November 19th

We are collaborating through the initiative “The Open Government Partnership” in order to contribute to transparency, accountability, citizen participation and technological innovation, strengthen governance and fight corruption in governments through the upcoming 4th action plan named as “Citizen advocacy for sustainable rural development” that includes fisheries and aquaculture sectors.  

In January the event «Together for grouper» was developed in Culinaria School.  Through this event the message of improving knowledge about the fishery & its environmental considerations and importance of not indulging consumption of illegal fish in order to promote sustainability for future generations.  Another objective is to promote consumption of other species.  With the same goal, a special presentation in the launch of the “Colectivo Maya”, a public commitment of regional chefs in order to promote the voice of sustainability and support the market of sustainable fish in the Yucatan Peninsula region.

May-July 2020

Through collaboration in ICPMX, a proposal for urgent measures was generated to ensure the contribution of fishing and aquaculture to food security during the Covid-19 crisis.  Through COMEPESCA, steps have been taken with the government to try to boost support for fishing and aquaculture in Mexico, one important achievement is that COMEPESCA now has a permanent seat on the Mexican Council for Sustainable Rural Development.  Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the establishment of the New Government there is little possibilities that “Programa de Ordenamiento Pesquero” (Fishing Management Program by CONAPESCA) as the former document may be publicated.  However based on SEPASY´s efforts, there is currently an updated list of Yucatan fishermen and vessels. This does not cover the full scope of the “Fishing Management Program”.  

Two virtual meetings of the Committee for the Sustainable Management of the Grouper Fishery took place in this period, where very important decisions were made: a)the decision of maintaining the two-month closure on 2021, regardless current economic problems derived from COVID-19; and, b)INAPESCA proposal of changes to NOM-065-sag/pesc-2014, in order to protect red and black grouper (although those still need to be ratified by CONAPESCA).  The INAPESCA proposal includes modification on size and number of longlines & hooks; the use of fishing gears with hooks for vessels greater than 10 tons of gross register during the closed season.  It also includes a new technical proposal for the black grouper (negrillo), establishing a minimum size of 58 cm.  Another two meetings in regard of Inspection and Surveillance of the State Aquaculture and Fisheries Council took place in 2020, where our partners presented specific problems to be solved in order to avoid illegal fishing. The Committee members had decided to implement quota systems in the octopus fishery before trying to do it in the grouper fishery, a virtual workshop was developed for this purpose.  

The «Network of Researchers of Grouper» is preparing a book of the research results in regard of grouper fishery.  The FIP is collaborator in the chapter dedicated to management.  

Aug-Oct 2020

On August 19th, 2020, CeDePesca arranged for Ms. Silvana Quinteros, former Director of Fishery Policies and Management at the Ministry of Production in Peru, to  make a special presentation to representatives of INAPESCA, SEPASY, and the technical group of the Grouper Committee, on the implementation  and evolution of the Peruvian anchovy quota system.  This presentation jump-started a discussion on the viability of a  quota system per fleet in Yucatan.   As a consequence, INAPESCA agreed to conduct an exercise analyzing the effects of different levels of grouper quotas and to present it to the Committee in a special meeting in 2021.

Collaboration through “Impacto Colectivo por la Pesca Mexicana” & Comepesca activities were developed including collaboration in the organization of the 2nd. Ed. Latin American Summit for fisheries and Aquaculture Sustainability”

Oct-Dec 2020

Private meetings were set with local processors partners in order to update on the Traceability Regulation that is in construction with CONAPESCA and other organizations.

With the leadership & participation of regional researchers a book to update of the Red Grouper Fishery is being in preparation for at least 1 year.  CeDePesca is collaborating in Chapter 8 dedicated to the analysis of management tools and governance bodies.  Along this period CeDePesca was accepted as part of Southeast Researchers Network.

Along the year, as former of the technical group preparing the Draft of the NOM-038-Traceability for fishery and aquaculture products with Authorities as Conapesca & Inapesca among others, 7 virtual meetings were held in which we collaborate presenting proposals and analyzing the draft.  The draft is almost ready. 

2021

January-April 2021 

Through a working group in which SEPASY, EDF, CEDEPESCA and INAPESCA participate, meetings are being held to follow up on the requests of fishermen in order to recover and maintain the state’s fisheries. 3 meetings have been held in this period in which issues have been discussed from how to implement the quota system, progress in inspection and surveillance, among others.

Due to the interest of the fishermen, we returned to work through the initiative “I take care of the grouper” a reminder of the fishing closure, minimum legal size and the promotion of consumption of other species. Some fishermen leaders distributed information in their localities through small restaurants and permit holders to publicize the information.  Data collection is still in progress.

May – December 2021

Through collaboration with Impacto Colectivo por la pesca y la aquacultura Mexicanas (ICPMX), we held a meeting with CONAPESCA to analyze the Fisheries Regularization Initiative. In principle, this initiative will not increase the fishing effort and has the objective of maintaining the sustainability of the fisheries. In practice in the state of Yucatán, the federal government’s list of fishermen still seems to include people outside the fishing sector. According to CONAPESCA, work is being done to make this list more and more attached to reality. The registration portal was closed on June 30th.   The administrative processes of CONAPESCA are in a re-engineering process, currently arrival notices must be made electronically in most fishing communities, a strategy developed in order to difficult corruption.  However, the fact that arrival notices do not require any authority to verify their physical coincidence with catches, makes possible the legalization of product of doubtful origin. The proposed modifications to NOM-065 – SAG / PESC-2014 have not been published, therefore they remain without effect. 

Regarding the fisheries stock assessments, through ICPMX, it is being sought that the information from the different INAPESCA fisheries offices standardize the way in which they record the information since differences have been detected in the methodologies and systematization of the information even for the same fishery, limiting the possibilities of conducting the required fishery assessments. 

As a result of the collaborative research network a stock assessment of black grouper was presented.  It suggests that in the last two years, catches are around or above maximum sustainable yield.  It estimates maximum sustainable yield on 1,035 tons, with an interval between 600-1800 tons.  More information about the fishery is being generated by experts including detailed information about species associated with the fishery, but they are not public yet.  Fishermen collaborate with scientists facilitating information and the possibility to analyze their catches. INAPESCA presented a preliminary pre-assessment of black grouper in Grouper Sustainable Committee.  Results had not been presented publicly.  Some of the recent published information is in regard to sea turtles (ETP).  FIP collaborated in some workshops to teach how to avoid sea turtles damage. An updated Fisheries National Chart «Carta Nacional Pesquera» will be published on 2022, with changes in grouper fishery.

Since October 2021, the grouper and associated species management plan is in revision leader by INAPESCA in collaboration with EDF and CeDePesca. The final decisions to include our proposals or not in the first draft are in charge of INAPESCA. This draft has not yet been submitted to CONAPESCA. 

In this period no meetings of the Committee for the Sustainable Management of the Grouper Fishery took place.  On November 29th, the Fisheries and Aquaculture State Council met, without the presence of local CONAPESCA´s leadership with important expectations from local leaderships since pre-agreements were set in order to present important issues as of inspection and surveillance proposals, management problems, and presentation of the agreements taken in Grouper and Octopus Committee in order to present them at the Council, request for international fundings to promote sustainability, among others.   This generated great confusion among leaders.   On December 8th, a new Conapesca´s leadership in Yucatan was presented, a former fishermen leadership, with great expectations, though the knowledge of the problems we are facing. 

Grouper’s collaborative research network has strengthened its structure. This network is formed today by 25 researchers from 6 research centers and 9 invited members, including CeDePesca, EDF, SEPASY (Secretariat for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture) and SIIES (Secretariat for research, innovation and higher education). Members of this network have collaboratively been working to generate information that is required for the correct management of the fishery. Although CeDePesca has not worked directly on many of these projects, as a guest member of the network, it offers its point of view to promote research to solve the sustainability issues that are required.  From the Yucatan Sustainable Committee for Grouper continuous initiatives are taken in order to improve control and surveillance, with the participation of fishermen and local leaders.  A continuous improvement is in progress although a lot need to be done yet.

We collaborate in the Governance, Markets and Fishing Evaluation groups of ICPMX, collaborating in the implementation of strategies that allow us to overcome illegal fishing and improve the fishing records. 

2022

January – June 2022

The “Grouper and associated species management plan” finished revision by INAPESCA, already being presented to CONAPESCA.  In order for INAPESCA member researchers located in southeastern Mexico to have a better understanding of principle 1 of the MSC standard, the first of two sessions of a private training was provided by CeDePesca. One important problem detected in Mexican public stock assessment is that even though the assessments are prepared they are not published.  Red grouper stock assessments are prepared by INAPESCA and presented to the Grouper Committee, but information is not publicly available.  This year, the Carta National Pesquera and a Red Grouper book is in process of publication with updated official information for red and black grouper.  The document uploaded includes evidence of the peer reviewed analysis of both stock assessments, and the inclusion of uncertainty in the assessments.  

A Productivity-Susceptibility preliminary report has been prepared based in collected information and scientific papers reviews considering a precautionary approach. The results need to be validated by fisherman and researchers and more information needs to be gathered. 

In this period one meeting of the Committee for the Sustainable Management of the Grouper Fishery took place (January 21st, 2022). Next meeting is programmed on July 5th, 2022.  Special pre-meetings have been held in order to analyze the core topics to analyze in the Committee, as how to avoid illegal fishing to deplete the fishery, since impunity is prevailing. To promote control actions in the value chain to minimize the trade in fish from non-legal sources several presentations took place. In words of CONAPESCA´s representatives currently they are in the development stage of the Information Technology to support the traceability standard.

The FIP participated in the discussions of Annual meetings of Impacto Colectivo por la Pesca Mexicana (ICPMX), to include FIP agenda, specially in relation to assessments, traceability and illegal fishing. Local collaboration among SEPASY, CONAPESCA´s, Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR) and legal fishers are being more effective in stopping illegal vessels, but it is not clear yet if criminal action will be taken.  At a national level, local leaders presented Yucatan fisheries problems in the Senate in a special event organized by Oceana.  We  accompanied the placement of the flags that delimit the refugee.  Funds are being sought to strengthen the Celestun Fishing Refugee.

A kind request was placed to the leadership Fisheries Commission of National House of Representatives (Diputados) in order to culminate the ongoing reform and regulation process of the Fisheries Law.

Since May 2022, there was a special event with monthly presentations, debates and analysis of the Legal Status of fishing in Mexico organized by the Mexican Senate, in which anyone could participate.  We participated in 5 of the seventh sessions already developed. 

Two special radio and internet interviews took place in Agenda Formula and Sipse Group, regional in scope. 

July – December 2022

As part of the strategy to protect juvenile red grouper, black grouper and species associated, there is a local agreement to implement several fishing refuges, which are protection zones, each of them with specific objectives and scope depending on community agreements. The Secretariat of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture of Yucatan (SEPASY) is leading these actions in collaboration with multiple stakeholders. As of today, work is already underway on the technical opinions of Chicxulub, Celestún, Chuburná, Dzilam, Chabihau, El Cuyo, San Felipe, Telchac, San Crisanto, with progress in more than 50% of the technical opinions. The FIP is collaborating in Chicxulub and Celestún. 

We collaborate in the Governance, Markets and Fishing Evaluation groups of ICPMX, collaborating in the implementation of strategies that allow us to overcome illegal fishing and improve the fishing records. We presented to INAPESCA the results of the Audit of 3rd. party held in December 2022 and participated in special meetings at the Senate to review a proposal to reform Fishing and Aquaculture law.

Even though there is a lot of scientific information generated in the area the official stock assessments are not publicated yet. This year, the Carta National Pesquera was publicated and includes a Kobe Diagram and an analysis of the current situation of the red grouper fishery. Some members of the network of grouper researchers have published information on several species of this fishery, fishermen are increasingly collaborating by providing information.  Information can be obtained in EPOMEX, CINVESTAV and UNAM publications.

A Productivity-Susceptibility report V. 1.2 has been prepared based in collected information and scientific papers reviews considering a precautionary approach.  After review results show that all species pose medium risk.

Radio interview on José Luis Preciado’s program and several journalistic notes. 

2023

 January-June 2023

As part of the strategy to protect juvenile red grouper, black grouper and species associated, we collaborate with the refuge zone of Celestún in the organization of the festival of the closed season, among other things in strengthening the message that the members of the refugee must share and some trainings to their members, especially women.  As of today, a MOU is in preparation to implement the Technical Document in order to develop Chicxulub Refugee Zone.  Some meetings have been held there, there is interest, but we need more fishers and representants of the communities in order to move forward.  We also participated in the workshop of Refugees zones in Yucatan organized by SEPASY, COBI and Agence Francaise de development, collaborated assessing fishers groups.  A special presentation took place to CANAINPESCA – Yucatán presenting the project and looking for more collaboration. 

After a meeting with local INAPESCA, it was stated that scientific research is being implemented. Although it is suggested to have observers on board. We have been looking for fundings in order to implement this activity but as of today, we have no such fundings yet. 

Results of the 3rd. year audit have been analyzed and discussed with INAPESCA, most of our suggestions are taken into consideration in the next update of the Management plan to be published.    

As of today, no update of the official stock assessments are published yet, nor the official black grouper stock assessment. Some members of the network of grouper researchers have published information on several species of this fishery, fishermen are increasingly collaborating by providing information.  Information can be obtained in EPOMEX, CINVESTAV and UNAM publications.

Update December 2023>

As part of the strategy to protect juvenile red grouper, black grouper and species associated we continue our collaboration with the refuge zone of Celestún in the organization of the refugee festival on 18th – 20th august 2023 to strentheng the message of protection and respect of marine species and we are developing the Technical Document of the  Chicxulub Refugee Zone is on track.  Several meetings have been held with local leaders and fishermen to promote it. We maintained our collaboration in the Governance, Markets and Fishing Evaluation groups of ICPMX, collaborating in the implementation of strategies that allow us to overcome illegal fishing and improve the fishing records. We participated, as some of our partners, in the Annual Session of the Yucatan State Fisheries Council, where local strategies are presented, analyzed and approved or not.  A strategy to protect grouper fishery was presented by Semarnat to protect the area known as “Bajos del Norte”, an important area to protect reproduction of several species of the fishery and red and black grouper.  This area coincides with our proposal of an area of a special-temporal closure but protecting permanently.  In session the proposal was accepted, it has been published and it is following the legal steps to its final publication.