When applying for a fishing license online with "Fonmar," I am confronting a somewhat odd extra charge of 400 pesos:
"If you are a foreigner and visit Baja California Sur with a stay of more than 24 hours in the territory, you are subject to the payment for Use of
the Foreign Tourist in force in our state based on Article 129 Bis of the Ley de Hacienda del Estado de Baja California Sur. If you are under 12 years
old or you are not a foreigner, please skip this step."
If you click into the FAQ questions on the related page, the language seems to suggest this fee is a "contribution:"
"EmbraceIt is a Fund for a Sustainable Baja California Sur, which encourages International travelers visiting the State of Baja California Sur to
contribute $400 Mexican pesos (~$20 USD depending on the exchange rate) to support the ongoing development of sustainable projects and initiatives in
the destination."
Certainly I can handle this charge, but it does kinda make your 35 dollar monthly license 55 dollars, which starts to get into the "expensive for
Mexico" range. Plus it has a vaguely shakedown-ish feel, like the vehicle undercarriage spraying at GN.
If you buy a license after crossing, do you have to pay this charge?
Also -- I've been getting properly licensed every year since 2008, and have never once had my license checked by anyone. Is that your experience too?
Thanks! boe4fun - 12-15-2022 at 03:22 PM
Never have been checked for my (yearly) license for the last ~40 years. Sounds to me the extra fee is for the newer Passport which is for doing any
tourist activity in the many biospheres throughout Baja and Baja Sur, but I’m not sure of this. I believe that the Passports are not mandatory and
can be purchased for daily use (wristband) or yearly (where you’re provided with a form similar to the yearly fishing license).
[Edited on 12-15-2022 by boe4fun]shari - 12-15-2022 at 04:29 PM
In the last month, the fisheries officers have been in Bahia Asuncion several time checking licenses as the fishing cooperative is trying to get a
handle on alot of illegal fishing so they call fisheries to come and check everyone out both at the boat ramp and on the water so good to have them.
I havent seen that extra charge when I help people get their licenses here unless it's very new. Maybe if you get it once in Mexico it isnt applied.
Anglers have had problems paying with American credit cards which is why I helped them and paid for it with my Mexican card and it goes through
easily.
Maybe Fonmar is raising money for the tournaments they put on. I wonder if it depends on the area you are fishing?
The Biosphere permit or bracelet is totally different and is an extra charge to help pay for the Reserve protection projects and enforcement. You get
them in Guerrero Negro at the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve officemtgoat666 - 12-15-2022 at 06:02 PM
it's a "voluntary" tax that you pay out of the goodness of your heart, and it makes you feel warm and fuzzy! https://embrace.bcs.gob.mx/qr
eguillermo - 12-15-2022 at 08:32 PM
Taxes are always fun, but even better when voluntary.
I did discover that yes, it's only requested for BCS, not for "Baja California" per se. Cancamo - 12-16-2022 at 10:40 AM
In 40 years of getting a license, I have been checked only once. This was during Easter week, and the official vessel checking me on the water had
representatives of Fonmar, Capitania Del Puerto, and Semarnat. They wanted to see everything, ie: boat license, (mine is a local vessel not on tip),
fishing license, all safety equipment, my catch, etc....
I was glad to oblige, I had it all, and pleased to see them.....finally.
Unless you are disembarking from a port, you are unfortunately unlikely to be checked by anyone.Sparetimewanted - 12-16-2022 at 08:25 PM
From Pamela in Loreto-This is a new tax and you only have to pay it if you buy the license online. But if you go to the local Fonmar office at the
marina you are not charged the new "tax".dtbushpilot - 12-17-2022 at 06:55 PM
Coming and going at the southern marinas we are checked regularly for licenses and other required paperwork. fishmaster - 12-25-2022 at 06:58 PM
