Mexico Creates 4 New Fishing Refuges, Including 2 in Yucatán

Mexico’s National Commission for Aquaculture and Fisheries established four new fishing refuge zones this fall, two of which are located along Yucatán’s northern coast. The temporary protected areas aim to rebuild populations of commercially valuable species while allowing limited traditional fishing.

The refuges in Telchac Puerto and Chuburná will protect octopus, lobster, red grouper, sea cucumber, and other species for the next five years under agreements published in September in the federal register. Both zones permit traditional octopus fishing with jimbas—long poles fitted with hooks—during the regular season from August through mid-December.

Mexico’s fishing refuge program has expanded rapidly since 2012, when coastal communities began partnering with conservation groups to establish no-take zones. The country now protects over 2.2 million hectares (5.4 million acres) of marine habitat through 28 refuges, with plans to reach 83 by next year.

The refuge model differs from traditional marine protected areas by incorporating input from local fishing communities. Fishermen help design the boundaries and rules, increasing support for conservation while maintaining their livelihoods.

“These measures respond to requests from fishermen and women and have scientific backing,” Conapesca stated in announcing the new refuges. The agency worked with the Mexican Institute for Research in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture to establish the zones.

Yucatán has emerged as a leader in community-driven marine conservation. The state government provides specific funding to support fishing communities developing refuge proposals. Local committees from Telchac Puerto and Chuburná initiated the process for the new protected areas.

The Telchac Puerto refuge covers coastal waters where octopus, spiny lobster, and grouper populations have declined from overfishing. The Chuburná zone near Progreso adds black grouper to its list of protected species. Both areas restrict all commercial fishing except the traditional jimba method for octopus during the open season.

Two additional refuges were established outside Yucatán. Colima received its first fishing refuge in Manzanillo Bay, protecting reef fish around artificial reefs created from sunken vessels. The refuge allows limited line fishing with traditional equipment. In Baja California Sur, a refuge near La Paz protects snapper, grouper, and bivalve species while permitting educational fishing and monitoring activities.

Conservation groups note that fishing refuges benefit species beyond those targeted for protection. Researchers expect improvements in water quality and ecosystem health within the protected zones.

The refuges operate under Mexican fisheries law, which authorizes temporary or permanent closures to protect marine resources. Violations carry penalties under the General Law of Fishing and Sustainable Aquaculture, though enforcement remains challenging in remote coastal areas.

Scientists have documented population increases in several existing refuges along Mexico’s coasts. A 2022 study found that community-based reserves can restore fish stocks when local residents participate in design and monitoring. The approach has inspired similar programs in other Latin American countries.

Yucatán and Baja California Sur account for most of Mexico’s fishing refuge proposals. Both states have strong traditions of cooperative fishing and active civil society organizations supporting sustainable practices. Research shows that refuges work best when communities have secure access rights and enforcement capacity.

The federal government coordinates refuge implementation with state authorities and fishing cooperatives. Success depends on balancing conservation goals with economic needs of coastal communities that rely on fishing for income.

Mexico’s expansion of fishing refuges aligns with international commitments to protect 30 percent of ocean areas by 2030. The country currently protects about 25 percent of its territorial waters through various conservation measures, according to recent assessments.

Fast Facts

The fishing refuges are off-limits to recreational fishing and diving
Telchac Puerto is 56 kilometers (35 miles) east of Progreso
Chuburná is located 16 kilometers (10 miles) west of Progreso
Contact local fishing cooperatives for information about sustainable seafood sources
Octopus season runs August 1 to December 15