PUBLISHED WEEK OF AUG. 28, 2006 Western Outdoor News
Photos: Examples of commercial long lining for manta rays near Cerralvo Island
MEXICAN NAVY JACKS FISH PIRATES!
Will wonders never cease? Just about the time you throw up your hands about any conservation efforts or enforcement of gamefishing, something good comes along and you stand up, pump your fist in the air and give a “Woof! Woof! Woof!” for the good guys.
Seems La Paz has is once again the center of news. Last week, everyone wanted to know about the uh…”alleged”…notorious drug king pin Javier Arrellando Felix from Tijuana. The hombre was arrested by the U.S. Coast Guard while fishing international waters in the Sea of Cortez outside of La Paz. (Reportedly, he didn’t ask for a refund of his charter fees).
This week, reports indicate that last month, hot tips by anglers led to the apprehension of three vessels by the Mexican Navy (Yes, THAT navy you make fun of all time!). The boast were illegally longlining dorado. Check this, the boats were slightly “over limits.” They had 7 tons of mahi aboard. Actually, there are no limits for commercial fishing because they’re prohibited from taking dorado commercially. Dorado are strictly a sportfish.
According to the reports, the recently started Center of Marine Protection, who are partners with the Billfish Foundation were instrumental in the apprehension. Based in La Paz and funded by FONMAR, a trust created last year whereby funds from fishing licenses are used towards enforcement, education and research of conservation programs in Southern Baja, they have a liason who works directly with the Mexican Navy. Using on-the-water observations this facilitates the Navy in targeting illegal fishing activities.
Apparently, the three commercial trawlers were from the Mexican mainland and were acting as “mothership” operations supporting pangas that were longlining for dorado. These boats were only licensed as commercial squid boats. If seven tons is 14,000 pounds and let’s say a schoolie dorado is about 10 pounds, that’s 1000 pescado on ice!
All three vessels were taken to Santa Rosalia and charges are pending against the captain and crew.
This is great news. Dorado (dolphinfish) are popular sportfish and for much of southern Baja, the backbone of the catch during the warmer months of the year. They grow fast; fight hard; taste great; and often can be one of the easiest fish in the Baja to catch. Some would say even “stupid” in their voraciousness to eat a bait and an easy target for commercial interests who want to fill their holds with a popular eating fish.
There had actually been a movement in the last few years to legalize the taking of dorado by commercial Mexican fishermen. If that happens, frankly, kiss the sportfishing industry in Baja good-bye. The fish are so easy to catch, an angler can catch dozens in an hour with very little effort. Turn loose a fleet of commercial pangeros and watch the slaughter as well as the immediate decline of the sportfishing industry which is already taking a gut punch.
Obviously tons are already being caught illegally and one can only imagine the impact of “officially” allowing commercial fishermen to go willy-nilly on the mahi. Might as well go club baby harp seals because the dorado are about that easy.
To my knowledge, this is the second time something like this has taken place. In the summer of 2004, Tracy Ehrenberg who owns the popular Pisces Fleet in Cabo, was instrumental in the apprehension of a commercial longliner setting nets on the Gorda Banks. One of their charters reported the activity. Tracy tried to get a fast boat out to the spot, but could get no assistance in finding a boat to take a boatload of Mexican marines out on the chase.
Finally, the Gaviota Fleet volunteered a boat which caught up to the commercial boat discovering more than 2 miles of long lines stretched across the banks. Here’s the rub. Of the 8 crew arrested, a Japanese “fishing advisor” was discovered to be aboard. Additionally, the boat was actually a state-owned boat owned by the Mexican State of Michoacan. Makes you wonder who is giving who permission to do what, doesn’t it? Same old. Same Old.
But this stuff goes on daily. I see it when I’m on the water each week. However, only TWO apprehension in two years? Still have a long way to go!
That’s my story. If you ever want to reach me, my e-mail is
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JMR
MEX NAVY JACKS FISH PIRATES
08/25/06
That's My Story 
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