What has the Mexican government done in the fishing sector in the face of the pandemic and what plans are there for 2021?

The pandemic caused by COVID-19, which at the beginning of 2020 became a global health emergency and which has not been controlled until January 2021, has had major economic consequences. In Mexico, traffic restrictions and difficulties have affected most economic activities. GDP up to the third quarter of 2020 fell 9.5% compared to 2019. ¹ This

is why we want to talk about the fishing sector and what can be done in 2021 in relation to the actions and measures that the Mexican government can take to help fishermen in the face of this contingency that will continue this year.

In 2020, the actions taken by the fishing authority in the face of the contingency were to make the arrival and/or harvest notices in digital format and to advance the distribution of Bienesca. ² Bienesca consists of a one-time transfer of $7,200 to fishermen and aquaculturists. ³ Of the 295,000 people who make up the fishing sector, 193,000 benefited from this program.

However, for 2021, no additional support or measure has been announced in the face of the relentless health contingency. The only announcement made by Conapesca is the increase in the number of beneficiaries of the Bienesca incentive, with a delivery planned to be carried out between February and March, before the electoral process.

In this sense, you can explore what they are doing elsewhere. For example, the European Union approved financial assistance for fishing communities and affected aquaculturists, helping three specific sectors, fishermen due to the temporary cessation of fishing activities; aquaculturists for the temporary suspension or reduction of production; producer organizations for the temporary storage of fishery and aquaculture products. ⁴ In addition, Canada provided financial support and credit programs for fishermen and aquaculturists who required it. ⁵

Within the region (AL), Peru launched the “Covid-19 Free Fishing” Campaign, which is a series of infographics and information that addresses sustainable management and the precautionary measures that fishermen should have in the face of COVID. In addition, the Ministry of Production of Peru is bringing the national program “To eat fish” to the regions of Tumbes and Piura, to support the commercialization of its products and thus promote the reactivation of its economy. ⁶

In Mexico, on the part of civil society, the Collective Impact group (ICPMX) launched a series of recommendations to ensure the contribution of fishing and aquaculture to food security during the COVID-19 crisis. These series of measures include: significantly increasing support for fishermen and aquaculturists; the distribution of fish and seafood through the Diconsa Network, as well as disseminating campaigns to promote local fishing consumption. ⁷

However, almost a year after the pandemic began, there has been no effective response from the Mexican government to mitigate the ravages of the fishing sector and help the most vulnerable groups. We can take up the experience of other regions and countries, such as the “Covid-19 Free Fishing” campaign in Peru to promote domestic consumption and have health protocols, or to have greater financial assistance, as in the European Union and Canada. In addition, it is possible to take up the proposals that are available from different social actors interested in fishing in Mexico.

Note:

¹ Annual percentage change for the first 9 months of 2020 compared to 2019 with Current Values. ^{Available at} https://www.inegi.org.mx/programas/pib/2013/#Tabulados

² Declaration of Conapesca: https://www.gob.mx/conapesca/articulos/adelantara-gobierno-de-mexico-incentivos-del-componente-de-apoyo-para-el-bienestar-de-pescadores-y - aquicultores-bienpesca-239869

³ Operating Rules: https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5590429&fecha=25/03/2020 4 More information available at:

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/es/headlines/society/20200416STO77203/covid-19-medidas-para-ayudar-a-los-agricultores-y-pescadores-de-la-ue

⁵ More information is available at: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/covid19/industry-industrie/index-eng.html

⁶ More information is available at: https://pnudperu.medium.com/una-red-solidaria-para-la-pesca-en-tiempos-de-covid-19-5f6ed299250a

⁷ More information is available at: https://www.icpmx.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/118130934/pronunciamientocovid19.pdf