Mexico's Shark Populations and the Impact of 'Jaws' 50 Years Later

Mexico has become the sixth-largest shark fishing nation globally, with an annual catch ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 tons, according to the National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission’s Fisheries Statistical Yearbook. Over the past decade, Mexico’s role in the global shark trade has bolstered the removal of an estimated 73 million sharks from oceans worldwide each year. This increase in fishing has led to multiple shark species in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean being classified as “exploited to the maximum sustainability.”

Despite strict regulations on shark fishing in Mexico, enforcement challenges persist. Issues such as unauthorized fishing vessels, illegal operations during closed seasons, and capturing protected species continue to occur, worsened by insufficient record-keeping and corruption. The shark fin trade is a significant factor, with Mexican fishermen earning about US$2 per kilogram of shark, whereas dried fins can sell for up to US$70 in Asian markets. The process often involves inhumane methods where fins are cut from live sharks, which are then discarded back into the water to drown.

Opposite to their dangerous portrayal in films like “Jaws,” shark attacks are very rare. In 2024, there were only 47 shark attacks reported globally, with four resulting in fatalities. Notably, Mexico recorded no attacks last year and only eight over the past five years.

Mexico’s lengthy coastlines along the Pacific and Atlantic oceans harbor diverse shark populations, offering significant tourism possibilities. Popular destinations for shark-viewing include:

Playa del Carmen: Known for bull shark encounters from November to March.
Cabo Pulmo: Located on the Baja California Peninsula.

Isla Guadalupe, once renowned for cage diving with great white sharks, has been closed to tourists since January 2023. Conservation needs were cited as the reason for its closure, although the decision has sparked questions regarding its abruptness and impact on local tour operators.

This closure highlights the delicate balance among tourism, conservation, and fishing interests, which will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Mexico’s shark populations.

For more information, visit the full article on Mexico News Daily.

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