A US sportfishing boat has repeatedly entered Mexico’s Revillagigedo National Park illegally, highlighting enforcement challenges in North America’s largest marine protected area, according to Mexico’s National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp).
The vessel, Red Rooster III, operated by San Diego-based Lee Palm Sportfishers, was detected entering the no-fishing sanctuary near Clarión Island in January and March 2025. Satellite data showed the boat moving at speeds and patterns consistent with fishing for tuna and wahoo.
Conanp reports the vessel has made at least eight unauthorized entries since 2017, but despite submitting evidence to Mexican environmental and naval authorities, no sanctions have been imposed.
Located approximately 390 kilometers southwest of Baja California Peninsula, Revillagigedo National Park spans 14.8 million hectares and serves as a critical sanctuary for marine megafauna, including:
- Humpback whales
- Manta rays
- Dolphins
- Various shark species
The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage natural site in 2016 before becoming a national park in 2017.
The park’s remote location presents significant enforcement challenges despite monitoring through advanced platforms like Global Fishing Watch and Skylight. Mexican officials cite jurisdictional complexities and legal framework gaps as obstacles to effective enforcement.
For travelers interested in visiting the protected area legally, regulated tours operated by Mexican companies offer wildlife-watching experiences that comply with sustainability requirements. The area has become increasingly popular among scuba divers, with National Geographic recently naming it one of its top five adventure destinations.
For more information, you can read the full article on Mexico News Daily.
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