With coastlines stretching across both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico’s marine world is a vibrant mosaic of life. Beneath nearly 3.2 million square kilometers of ocean territory lies an ecosystem like no other, hosting everything from immense whale migrations to bustling coral reefs. But with all this natural wealth comes a critical responsibility: ensuring the health of these waters for future generations. So, how is Mexico preserving its oceans, and what challenges lie in balancing conservation with economic demands?
In this article, we explore how Mexico is preserving its oceans, focusing on marine protected areas (MPAs), efforts to protect vulnerable species like sharks and international treaties that help with these initiatives. However, the issue of marine protection is closely connected with the fisheries sector, which plays a vital role in Mexico's economy. Thus, we will also examine the importance of fisheries for Mexico and the complexities involved in balancing conservation with economic interests.
From the vibrant coral reefs of the Caribbean to the nutrient-rich currents of the Pacific, Mexican diverse waters support countless species, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Mexico's marine environments host a unique combination of biodiversity found in few other places on Earth - there are not many countries where you can encounter whales, sharks, manta rays, marlins and other big animals, as well as vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. This incredible richness in species makes Mexico's marine areas extremely important - for global conservation efforts and also for local communuties that depend on them.
The stakes are high, and for the healthy future of our oceans, it is inevitable for Mexico to balance human activity with environmental protection. How is Mexico addressing global conservation goals, including the 30x30 target and protecting endangered species? And how is it navigating the often conflicting balance between conservation sectors closely related to it, such as fishing and tourism?
The incredible richness of Mexico's water is breathtaking.
A Look at Mexico's Marine Protected Areas
Let's start with looking closely into current protection measures that Mexico has already implemented. How is Mexico doing when it comes to the global 30x30 goal, that means the target to protect 30% of the global ocean by 2030, to safeguard marine ecosystems, halt the decline of marine biodiversity, build climate resilience, and support coastal communities?
Currently, Mexico's fully or highly marine protected areas (MPAs) encompass 148 733 km2 which accounts for 4,7% of its total marine area, according to the Marine Protection Atlas. While it's true that the total MPA coverage includes approximately 20% of Mexico's marine area, for our conservation efforts, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of fully and highly protected areas. It's because of the fact that not all protected areas are equal and only if MPA is implemented fully, it can be effective enough. Several research indicate that highly protected zones offer the greatest conservation benefits, whereas MPAs with fewer restrictions and more human activity provide substantially less protection. Fully and highly protected areas are sections of the coastal or marine environment where extractive activities like fishing, mining, and oil and gas development are either severely limited or completely prohibited.
Mexico has a total of 87 MPAs, but only one of them can be counted as the fully or highly protected area as determined above. It's called the Revillagigedo National Park and it is North America’s largest marine protected area. This single MPA covers 148 644 km2 and it's therefore accountable for 99% of Mexico's higly protected marine areas. It is located off the western coast of Mexico and it was designated as a national park in 2017, expanding its earlier status as a biosphere reserve. The designation of Revillagigedo National Park as a no-take zone, where all fishing and extractive activities are prohibited, has made it one of the largest fully protected marine reserves in the world (ranking number 13 by area), particularly focusing on marine biodiversity and larger megafauna. The Revillagigedo National Park serves as a critical habitat for a diverse range of marine species, with a particular emphasis on large pelagic species, including sharks.
Revillagigedo National Park area around islands Socorro, Roca Partida, Clarión ans San Benedicto
As it was established in 2017, scientists were already able to analyze the challenges faced by the fishing sector and the benefits from marine protected area as this conflict is often used as an argument against establighing new MPAs. Interestingly, a study from 2023 showed that the ban on fishing inside the reserve has not only been good for the wildlife in the park, but also has not affected commercial fishing vessels’ ability to find and catch fish - read the entire study in Science Advances HERE. These findings are especially important when it comes to the persistent fear and arguments against the no-take zones from the side of commercial fishing industry. - This study therefore adds to the findings that fishing industry and ocean conservation do not stand against each other. On contrary, MPAs can even boost the health of surrounding fisheries by offering refuge to large female fish who produce the most eggs.
The Role of CITES in Safeguarding Marine Species
Apart from the establishment of marine protected areas, another essential tool in marine conservation is the regulation of trade for specific species. With growing concerns about the sustainability of shark fishing and documented declines in many shark species due to overfishing, regulatory protections have become crucial. Under Mexican law, only whale shark, white shark, and basking shark are protected and cannot be fished. These sharks are protected mainly because of their great touristic value.
One of the most crucial treaties that reinforces commitment to ocean conservation is CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which plays a significant role in protecting marine species, especially those at high risk from overfishing and illegal trade. For marine life in Mexican waters, this means stronger protections for species threatened by high demand in global markets, including several shark species, rays, and sea turtles.
Sharks and Rays: A Priority in Mexican Waters
Sharks and rays are particularly vulnerable due to the slow reproductive rates of many species, making them highly susceptible to overfishing. The demand for products like shark fins and ray gill plates, often used in traditional medicine or cuisine abroad, poses a severe risk. By adhering to CITES, Mexico limits the legal trade of these species and ensures that trade complies with regulations to avoid further harm to populations. HERE is an article designated especially to how CITES work and what are the challenges of this treaty. It is a fact that despite the protections CITES provides, enforcing these regulations in Mexican waters and beyond is incredibly difficult. High demand for the shark products, illegal trade, identification difficulties, limited enforcement capacity and bycatch issues are all factors that complicate CITES enforcement in Mexican waters.
The illegal trade of shark fins and ray parts remains rampant, with high prices driving the black market and making it difficult for authorities to intercept shipments. Adding to this complexity, customs officers and enforcement agents often lack the resources or training to identify specific shark and ray species among large quantities of processed parts. Limited capacity to monitor expansive waters further hampers enforcement, leaving bycatch—a major threat to non-targeted species—largely unaddressed. To fully benefit from CITES protections, Mexico and other nations must invest in stronger enforcement measures, improve species identification at customs, and work collaboratively on regional efforts to reduce illegal trade.
Fisheries regulations on national level: Seasonal shark fishing ban
On national level, Mexico has enacted also several fisheries management policies to protect marine life and promote sustainable fishing practices. One of the primary tools used to safeguard vulnerable species, including sharks and rays, is the "veda period", which designates seasonal fishing closures based on species’ reproductive cycles. These closures aim to prevent fishing during key breeding and nursery periods, giving populations a chance to replenish and reducing the risk of overexploitation.
Sharks are prohibited from being fished in Mexican waters:
1st May - 31st July: in the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, i.e. in Baja California, Baja Californa Sur, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Michaocán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas
1st May - 30th June: in Tamaulipas, Veracruz and Quintana Roo
15th May - 15th June and 1st - 29th August: Tabasco, Yucatán and Campeche
Saveral national laws are also regulating the fishing sector. Specifically, when it comes to fishing sharks and rays, fishing activities are prohibited in areas like bays and river mouths, e.g. areas that are critical habitats for various species. Additionally, the use of certain fishing gear, such as specific types od nets, is regulated or restricted to minimize bycatch and environmental impact.
However, effective monitoring and enforcement remain significant challenges. Although the law designates CONAPESCA (the National Commission for Aquaculture and Fisheries) to oversee compliance, conduct inspections, and enforce penalties for illegal fishing, these efforts are often under-resourced and infrequent. The challenge lies not in the lack of conservation laws but in their enforcement. Moreover, many coastal communities rely heavily on fishing for their livelihoods, often having few viable alternatives. This dependence can drive unsustainable practices, as people fish to meet immediate needs despite legal restrictions. Strengthening enforcement and supporting local communities in finding sustainable income sources are crucial to achieving effective marine protection in Mexico.
Balancing Conservation and Community Needs
Protecting marine life, especially vulnerable species like sharks and rays, is essential to maintaining ocean health. Yet, the reality is that many coastal communities depend on fishing as a primary source of income and food. For these communities, sudden restrictions on fishing can lead to economic hardship, especially if there are limited alternatives for income generation. This makes it crucial to find solutions that protect marine biodiversity while also respecting and supporting the economic needs of these communities.
A promising approach lies in empowering local communities to lead in conservation efforts. Community-led conservation projects, where locals actively participate in managing marine resources and monitoring species health, have shown success in fostering a sense of stewardship while also providing income. For example, partnerships between conservation organizations and fishing cooperatives can create alternative income sources through sustainable practices or tourism. Responsible ecotourism, such as shark-watching or guided snorkeling trips, provides an income stream that values the presence of live, thriving marine life—transforming the marine ecosystem into an asset for local communities.
Achieving this balance is complex, as it requires adapting policies to local contexts, building trust, and investing in long-term capacity building for conservation. The key lies in creating an inclusive approach that benefits both marine life and the people who rely on it. This multifaceted topic of balancing marine conservation and community needs will be covered in more detail in future articles. Stay tuned for insights on how Mexico’s coastal communities and conservation efforts can support each other for a sustainable future!
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