Fishing activity in the port of Veracruz is going through a critical start to the year due to the constant northern events, which have severely limited access to the sea and caused a sharp drop in production, directly affecting the economy of hundreds of families that depend on this sector.
Nicolás Rivera Domínguez, president of the Coalition of Fishermen and Transport Sailors of Veracruz, pointed out that production has been drastically reduced, to the point of operating at just 30 percent of its capacity, a situation that is no longer profitable for sea workers.
“Production has dropped too much, we only have 30 percent and it is no longer profitable,” he said.
Less than a month before the Lent season begins, considered one of the periods of greatest consumption of seafood, fishermen face a scenario of uncertainty due to the scarcity of catches and adverse weather conditions.
Rivera Domínguez explained that during the month of January they have only managed to go fishing for five days, due to the bad weather and the risk posed by sailing with strong winds and high waves. “It is January 22 and we only have five days of fishing; the rest we have to wait for safety,” he stated.
The fishing leader warned that the weather conditions are compounded by structural problems such as the use of obsolete vessels and equipment, as well as the lack of government support for the modernization of the sector, which increases the danger during navigation, particularly in areas close to the port expansion.
He stressed that a mechanical failure in the middle of the northern season can lead to the total loss of the boat and even the lives of the fishermen. “Today the risk is triple; we go out to work without knowing if we are going to return,” he said.
In the Veracruz–Boca del Río metropolitan area, it is estimated that around 860 fishermen are affected by this situation. Finally, Nicolás Rivera Domínguez reiterated the call to the authorities to receive support in the renewal of boats, engines and nets, in order to guarantee the safety of sea workers and the continuity of fishing activity.
In addition to promoting recreation and sports, the activity represents an important economic benefit for service providers, local businesses and entrepreneurs, who benefit from the arrival of visitors during the development of the event.
