August 25, 2015
Recreational fishing is an important component of tourism, the economy, and bi-national relations in Baja, Mexico and California. Anglers from the U.S. and Mexico maintain a strong desire to fish for bluefin. Recreational fishing for Pacific bluefin tuna is permitted only in U.S. waters, but has been prohibited in Mexican waters since July 2014. The Chamber supports the allowance of Bluefin fishing in Mexican waters.
Recreational fishing is an important component of tourism, the economy, and bi-national relations in Baja, Mexico and California. Pacific bluefin tuna is one of the few highly migratory species targeted by anglers off the coasts of Mexico and the western United States. Currently, recreational fishing for Pacific bluefin tuna is permitted only in U.S. waters. Recreational fishing for the species has been closed in Mexican waters since July 2014. Anglers from the U.S. and Mexico maintain a strong desire to fish for bluefin.
In Mexico, a 3500-ton quota has been allocated to the commercial fleet for Pacific bluefin tuna. Conversely, the impact of recreational fishing on the stock is marginal, with a total catch of less than 3 percent for the species.
The closure of recreational fishing for bluefin in Mexico continues to have a negative impact on cross-border economic potential and development and relations between the two countries.
In collaboration with the Port of San Diego and the Sportfishing Association of California, the Chamber has requested that recreational fishing for Pacific bluefin tuna be permitted in Mexican waters as soon as possible. Such action will result in extensive positive publicity and growth within the cross-border economy.