The National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca), the Delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) in Campeche and the State Government agreed to work together on collaborative efforts to manage sea cucumber (Isostichopus fuscus) stocks in the short and long-term in order to prevent overexploitation. 

 

"The aim of the scheme, which will see fishing permits being reallocated in management areas, is to improve operating adjustments, ensuring among other factors, the assessment of the abundance and distribution of the sea creature, conserve biomass, improve performance and reduce the ecological impact caused by fishing," said Conapesca in a statement. 

 

The federal and state authorities decided to analyse research protocols coordinated by the National Fisheries Institute (INAPESCA) and to manage the resource through administrative measures based on control and management rules for both productive and conservatory uses to allow sea cucumbers to survive in a sustainable manner. 

 

In a months time, the first phase of the sea cucumber investigation will take place, which will aim to meet the estimated abundance and distribution. 

 

Furthermore, the parties will deal with developing, integrating and coordinating a program for monitoring and inspecting the impact on the species. 

 

They will also ensure compliance with the quota authorised by the government and provide mainstream education activities, with the aim of raising awareness in fishing communities. 

 

Conapesca has orchestrated, for a couple of weeks now, the "Management Program of sea cucumbers in the Yucatan Peninsula," in order to exploit but also conserve the resource's biomass. 

 

The government aims to ensure both the performance and economic benefits, by reducing the potential ecological damages caused by the commercial fishing of sea cucumbers.