The National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca) will grant MXN 305 million (USD 23.4 million) to fund over 2,400 productive projects related to the fisheries sector.
These initiatives will directly benefit about 20,500 fishermen and their families, pointed out the head of Conapesca, Mario Aguilar Sanchez.
Through a specific programme, with a budget of MXN 241 million (USD 18.5 million), 2,800 marine engines are being replaced by ecological ones, 60 per cent more than in 2012.
The official stressed that because of the degree of obsolescence and age of these fishing vessels, the government supports the modernization of 412 units with an investment of MXN 203 million (USD 15.6 million), which will benefit some 3,708 farmers.
During a working meeting with producers of the fisheries-aquaculture sector, Aguilar Sanchez highlighted achievements in fisheries and aquaculture. In this regard, he said that there have been advances in integrated and sustainable management based on scientific and technical information in order to make use of the marine resources and those of inland waters.
He also reported that until last September more than 11,300 documentary verifications had been made, that is to say, a 35 per cent increase over the same period of 2012. These verifications consisted in inspection visits to the facilities, vessels and businesses dedicated to the management and capture of fisheries resources.
Furthermore, the regulations governing catch shrimp were amended with the inclusion of specifications for more effective and sustainable fishing gear.
Conapesca head ensured the national government continues working in coordination with fisheries and aquaculture producers to ensure productivity growth and the sustainable use of the sector.
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