Coast Guard Apprehends Mexican Fishermen for Illegal Fishing in Federal Waters
South Padre Island, Texas – The U.S. Coast Guard has apprehended 11 Mexican fishermen and seized approximately 1,600 pounds of illegally caught red snapper and nine sharks in federal waters off southern Texas.
On Thursday, August 25, 2022, Coast Guard Station South Padre, in conjunction with other Coast Guard units and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), intercepted four "lanchas," or small fishing boats, off the Texas coast in federal waters just north of the maritime boundary with Mexico.
Lanchas are typically 20-30 feet long, powered by outboard motors, and capable of exceeding speeds of 30 mph. They are commonly used by Mexican fishermen for both legal and illegal fishing activities in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near the U.S.-Mexico border in the Gulf of Mexico.
Upon encountering the lanchas in federal waters, Coast Guard crews discovered and seized approximately 1,600 pounds of red snapper, a valuable and protected species, as well as nine sharks. The fishing gear and "highflyers," used to mark the beginning and end of long fishing lines, were also confiscated.
All 11 fishermen were taken into custody and transferred to CBP officials for further processing and potential prosecution under federal fisheries laws.
"Our crews will not pull back from efforts to end illegal fishing and trafficking of valuable natural resources on the maritime border," said Lt. Shane Gunderson, Commanding Officer of Station South Padre Island. "We remain committed to enforcing the laws of this nation. Whether on the southern border or along the maritime boundary line in the Gulf of America, the Coast Guard will detect, deter, and interdict illicit activity that threatens our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Background on Illegal Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
Illegal fishing poses a significant threat to the sustainability of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of legitimate fishermen. It involves catching fish in contravention of regulations, such as exceeding quotas, using prohibited gear, or fishing in closed areas.
The Gulf of Mexico is a particularly vulnerable region for illegal fishing due to its proximity to Mexico and the presence of valuable marine species, including red snapper and shrimp. Mexican fishermen have been known to cross into U.S. waters to engage in illegal fishing activities, depleting fish populations and harming the U.S. economy.
Coast Guard’s Response to Illegal Fishing
The Coast Guard is responsible for enforcing federal fisheries laws and protecting the nation’s maritime borders. Its efforts to combat illegal fishing include:
- Patrolling the EEZ to detect and deter illegal fishing vessels
- Conducting boardings to inspect fishing vessels and verify compliance with regulations
- Seizing illegally caught fish, gear, and vessels
- Apprehending and prosecuting individuals involved in illegal fishing
The Coast Guard’s collaboration with other agencies, such as CBP and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is crucial for effectively addressing illegal fishing and protecting U.S. fisheries.
