'Minerva Pérez's murder reflects the influence of organized crime in the fishing industry': Ernesto Eslava

Alpescas condemns murder of fishing leader Minerva Pérez in Mexico

MEXICO
Friday, July 12, 2024, 10:00 (GMT + 9)

• The alliance views with concern these acts that may be related to cartels or mafias that operate with illegal fishing, which is why they urge governments and authorities to put emphasis on combating and eradicating this scourge.

• After drug and arms trafficking, illegal fishing is the third most lucrative illicit activity in the world. It is estimated that around 26 million tons of fish and other marine resources are caught illegally every year to supply a black market worth up to US$23 billion.

After the brutal murder of Minerva Pérez Castro, representative of the Mexican Council for the Promotion of Fisheries and Aquaculture Products (Comepesca) and president of the National Chamber of the Fishing and Aquaculture Industry (Canainpesca) delegation of Baja California.

The Latin American Alliance for Sustainable Fishing and Food Security (ALPESCAS), made up of members of the Latin American fishing industry and institutions for the promotion of the consumption of seafood, condemn the murder of the distinguished businesswoman and recognize the invaluable contribution to the union work and actions to improve the nutrition and health of the population of Pérez Castro.

Even before dying, the businesswoman attended an event in which she denounced an increase in illegal fishing in the state, saying that “Illegal fishing reaches the same market that the legal product reaches, but without all the related production costs.” with a production and with a legally constituted company.”

In that sense, the alliance views with concern the levels of violence that some groups may exert, if it is confirmed that they are related to complaints about the increase in illegal fishing in Baja California.

Osciel Velásquez, president of Alpescas, stated that, “we are determined to vigorously combat illegal fishing, which after drug and arms trafficking, is the third most lucrative illicit activity in the world. In this context, it is a dangerous crime that brings many damages to the population, the ecosystem and health.”

“We condemn this fact and hope that it will be investigated and justice will be done. We also urge the authorities of all Latin American countries to pay more attention to illegal fishing and prevent these actions of cartels and mafias from happening.” the president of Alpescas closed.

From Alpescas, they urge to support and protect the business sector that promotes responsible and sustainable fishing and aquaculture and hope that it will be thoroughly investigated until justice is done.

Panama Agreement

To advance the defense of the integrity and sovereignty of Latin American countries to protect fishing resources and combat hunger and malnutrition, Alpescas signed an agreement between member countries to eradicate illegal fishing in the Region and strengthen the control of foreign fleets. that operate in waters adjacent to their jurisdictions.

The document signed in June 2023 in Panama City and signed by Panama, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil, seeks to urge governments to strengthen their national legislation for adequate monitoring, control and surveillance regarding the entry of foreign vessels into the EEZ, as well as preventing these vessels from extracting fishing resources outside the laws of the coastal countries and what is established in the Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMO). In addition, to call on the governments of the countries of America to make the necessary joint efforts, within the RFMOs, to achieve management and control measures aligned with the principles of Responsible Fisheries promoted by the United Nations Organization for Fishing. Food and Agriculture (FAO).

About Alpescas

The Latin American Alliance for Sustainable Fishing and Food Security, together with its member countries, aims to promote sustainable fishing activity and the development of industrial fishing and related activities, through sustainable use of resources and care for the environment. atmosphere; through management measures and application of effective technology in the control and monitoring of fishing activity in the region

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

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