BajaNomad

Nets in my front yard

Russ - 11-28-2016 at 10:30 AM

Just made plans to head out to do some shore fishing. Good thing we planned other location than here. With 4 or 5 of these boats working the Punta Chivato area there really isn't much chance to catch anything. Notice the size of the mesh. These are the guys I refer to as pirates. They run up and down this area trailering their boats into fish camps and then harvest without concern to local fishermen. Our local guys know what they're doing and make no effort to stop them. They even have an ice truck to come get their catch and take it to markets daily. Their nets are at least twice the length that's legal. The shore fish don't stand a prayer of survival. Then add the local boats and you have nothing! What they're catching is really slim. I watched these guys this morning and saw only 2 fish and one was tossed back and floated away.





David K - 11-28-2016 at 10:33 AM

No Mexican version of Fish & Game to call?:(

Bubba - 11-28-2016 at 10:41 AM

That sucks.

Udo - 11-28-2016 at 10:41 AM

In other places in Baja, such fishermen would dealt with by the locals.

weebray - 11-28-2016 at 11:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Udo  
In other places in Baja, such fishermen would dealt with by the locals.


Maybe in some places but in most places on the Sea of Cortez side anyway, if approached, these poachers from Sinaloa will reply "get out of here or we'll kill you. That's what my fishing Mexican friends tell me.

shari - 11-28-2016 at 01:26 PM

you can make an anonymous denuncia on the fisheries page and include the photos...it would be good to tell them how close inshore they are too...or call this fisheries dude... Martin Gonzalez in St.Rosalia and have a wee chat...615-152-1323

Bajazly - 11-28-2016 at 01:57 PM

I saw the same thing in San Rafeal for the past two weeks. They pull in for a few days, set nets from up and down the shore, kill a bunch of unwanted stuff then leave.

In March while on the beach one day, the fisheries people escorted by the military did show up and waited for 4 hours for the trap fisherman to return. After and hour of checking and conversation with them, they headed out and all seemed to be well. The next day the net guys showed up and were supposed to be there for 2 months.

DENNIS - 11-28-2016 at 02:00 PM


Small mesh nets...not the worst type. There are worse.

motoged - 11-28-2016 at 05:46 PM

Two shrimpers anchored off Mulege...

rts551 - 11-28-2016 at 06:07 PM

shrimp boat working by Huerfanito Saturday.

carlosg - 11-28-2016 at 06:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Russ  
Just made plans to head out to do some shore fishing. Good thing we planned other location than here. With 4 or 5 of these boats working the Punta Chivato area there really isn't much chance to catch anything. ...


We saw these guys out side Bahia Santa Inez last Friday and also counted at least four (but was told there were five) shrimpers near El Faro in Mulege... its so unfortunate the illegality of this mass destruction of the ecosystem but even worse, talking to a local fisherman he said: "if you can't beat them... join them": locals help them resupply and do repairs to the shrimper boats.

I remember when we visited Bahia Asuncion about two-three years ago, we were invited by a local fisherman (Mr. Verduzco) from the local Cooperativa; he told us that his intention in taking us out to sea (he didn't charge a cent but I left money for gas) was to educate us in the way that the local fishermen take a hands-on approach in preserving and protecting their livelihood: they go after poachers, detain them and turn them in to the authorities, they go as far as having manned radio equipped look-out stations along the their coast to spot all illegal activity... this should be a pattern all along the beautiful Baja coastline... both Pacific and SOC... in a perfect world.

Russ - 11-29-2016 at 08:01 AM

Our excursion to fish other beaches yesterday was typical for today's fishery. However there was one pargo that was big enough for one meal. We covered a lot of beach and the San Marcos Tierra estuary. I can't believe we saw the same boat setting net and pulling shortly after the set near where we fished at several locations. We have called and sent photos to the fisheries guy (s) in Santa Rosalia over the years with out results. Yes, the currant guy is a nice guy but without any enforcement capability we don't expect much. When you have a government that subsidizes these netters there isn't much you can expect from enforcement if there was any. In this area a coop is usually just one boat and they aren't working together to protect their livelihood. I feel for those trying to feed their families. We had a small run of sierra last week and our local vendor wanted $250 for shrimp but only $50 for fresh sierra fillets. I don't buy shrimp any more but I got the sierra and did enjoy it. This has become too long so I'm done for now. There is sooo more to b-tch about.... "I'll be back"

shari - 11-29-2016 at 09:41 AM

Well it seems that the enforcement issue is improving. We have had new fisheries officers here in Asuncion the last couple of months...initially called here when someone reported the shrimp boats being withing the 5 mile limit.

The officer explained to me there is a new enforcement push with some new boats and vehicles and more officers in our county of Mulege. Over the weekend they commandeered cooperativa pangas and were out checking everyone on the water for licenses, catches and boat permits. I for one am very glad to see this as it can be a free for all with little enforcement. I had a line up at my door for locals wanting fishing licenses as the officer gave them a warning the first time and decommissioned some pangas too.

So if you really care about your area and think there is illegal fishing...for gods sake report it...again yes. Dont give up...the count on reports...maybe get one of your mexican amigos to call it in or do it online...but do it. Things are changing...

Russ - 11-29-2016 at 11:19 AM

Thanks Shari for the encouragement. Since your area has some organized coops that have some influence dealing with many of the agencies that protect the fisheries/environment you may be getting a better response than us in their back yard. Also it maybe that nets are legal over here. I believe there are still some here that continue to contact Santa Rosalia Fisheries. Believe me Fisheries know the situation here. The top officials were here for our dorado tourney and got an ear full. There are no corporate interest here only the tourist industry that seems to be over looked.

Pescador - 11-30-2016 at 11:00 AM

Shari, Martin does not have any enforcement capability and readily tells those that ask. He is a good friend of mine and we have had that discussion numerous times. Adrian Rosas Romero with FONMAR may be a much better resource as they actually can do enforcement actions. His number is 615-104-5226.

shari - 11-30-2016 at 12:15 PM

thanks for that Pescador...Martins name was given to me by the Port Captain authorities....good to have Adrian's number on speed dial then!

BajaMama - 11-30-2016 at 06:16 PM

I saw these guys back in October at the reef in front of fish camp. I kills me that the come in and decimate areas I love to fish!

fishbuck - 11-30-2016 at 08:32 PM

Sounds like another job for Sea Sheppards I'm guessing they know who to call for results.

elfbrewery - 12-4-2016 at 04:58 PM

I think I saw those guys in Bahia Concepcion last week. Even if it wasn't the same guys, it's more than annoying. I remember several years ago a bunch of pangeros took 5 pangas out and came back with two totally full with sierra. They had them iced down at Santispac and waiting for a fish truck. We haven't seen sierra here since then.

Shari is right about their vigilance. A few years back we took a drive out along that coastline and were really tempted to collect some mussles. Turns out we were being watched and our bag of shells wasn't confiscated. (We said we'd put them back, but didn't have to.)

We need a network for this area. How do we get started?

shari - 12-5-2016 at 08:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by elfbrewery  


Shari is right about their vigilance. A few years back we took a drive out along that coastline and were really tempted to collect some mussles. Turns out we were being watched and our bag of shells wasn't confiscated. (We said we'd put them back, but didn't have to.)

We need a network for this area. How do we get started?


the Vigilancia programs here on the central west coast are operated by the fishing cooperativas. They are very expensive to maintain...all the trucks & boats that patrol 24/7, radios, outposts with sophisticated electronics and paying the patrol guys. The fishermen have chosen to receive less money in their pockets to protect their resources for the future for their families..what a concept eh!

We are so fortunate in our area as not only does these watchdogs protect the fishery but also they protect our village from the bad guys. They get a bead on every vehicle that comes in and keeps an eye on them so crime is very very low. If you are remote camping in these parts you are much safer with these guys driving around and checking up on you!

elfbrewery - 12-5-2016 at 02:01 PM

Another fish net today I almost ran into in my kayak by Santispac. Grrr.