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FISHING RECORDS IGFA RULES SCALE CERTIFICATION IGFA CLUBS TOURNAMENTS CAPTAINS & GUIDES CERTIFIED OBSERVER WEIGH STATIONS DONOR OPPORTUNITIES |
New Regulations in Mexico Threaten Marine Life in Sea of Cortez
Although heralded as a means to protect sharks and rays, the adoption of NOM-029 introduces some significant loopholes that may have devastating effects on marine life. First it allows longline boats less than 30 feet to fish within 10 miles of the shore and longline vessels between 30 and 80 feet to fish within 15 miles of the shore in the Sea of Cortez and within 20 miles of the west coast of Baja. Bycatch is also not controlled because “incidental” bycatch of sailfish, marlin and other species may be retained and sold in these previously protected areas. Finally, NOM-029 will also increase the number of permitted boats fishing coastal waters. For example, more than 600 permits have been issued to pangas 22 to 30 feet in length and as many as six pangas may work from a single permit. All told, the increase in fishing effort may translate to as many as 1.5 million hooks fishing in the Sea of Cortez each day.
• Prohibit commercial fishing in the 50 mile protected zones
Click to read IGFA's response to NOM-029-PESCA in English or Spanish IGFA urges you to voice your opposition by contacting the following Mexican governmental officials through our automated emailing system. |
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PRIVACY POLICY
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IGFA -- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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Effective May 15th, NOM-029-PESCA-2006 will allow commercial longlining in coastal waters of the Sea of Cortez. Prior to NOM-029, commercial vessels were not allowed to fish for or possess marlin, sailfish, dorado and other protected species within 50 miles of the coastline. Only recreational anglers were allowed to fish in these protected zones. 
The IGFA and other conservation organizations are petitioning that you demand that NOM-029 be suspended until the following modifications are included.