Area 31 (Atlantic, Western Central)

Overview

The fishery of the red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) is one of the most important in terms of the scale resource in the Gulf of Mexico (GM) region, being the fifth species of fish with greater extraction in Campeche (González-de la Rosa, Sánchez and Arreguín-Sánchez, 1994; Government of the State of Campeche, 2015).

During the decade of the 70s, the annual catch of red snapper in this same region was represented in 93% by L. campechanus, without indications of reduction of the population stock (Anderson et al. 2015). During the 80s, González-de la Rosa et al. (1994), Monroy-García, Garduño-Andrade and Espinosa (2002), as well as, Monroy-García, Arceo and Ríos (2004) stated that the red snapper resource was under-exploited and the fishery growing in the north from Yucatan, showing an increase in annual catches from 1,800.0 to 4,500.0 tonnes.

In Mexico, there was a historical maximum in the catch of red snapper during 1993. In the period 1986-1996, 4,956.0 t of the average annual catch was recorded and from 2000 to 2015 a decrease of 39.0% was observed with 2,996.0 t annual average according to the CNP (2018).

Monroy García et al. (2002) estimated that this indicator decreased from 32,957.0 t in 1984 to 16,877.0 in 1999, which is 51.0%, indicating that this population does not show signs of recovery. They also calculated a maximum sustainable yield (RMS) of 1,271.0 t / year. Recording a capture of 3,083.0 t in 1992, and an average of 1,384.0 t in the period 1984-1999, which exceeds the CMS and therefore there is a strong decrease, reporting that landings in the Gulf of Mexico (GM) declined from 71.0 to 80.0% by 2013 (Anderson et al., 2015).

It is noted that the results only showed the decency until 2015, and most recent information was not included in the profile. However, managers concluded that the fishery is exploited to the maximum sustainable extent with a tendency to find deteriorated in the future (DOF, 2023). Garcia-Rodriguez et al. (2024) used the Catch-MSY (CMSY) data-limited to determine the stock status of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. The authors used a combination of catch data, resilience, and qualitative stock status information on the data-limited model to estimate the biomass-producing MSY (BMSY), the fishing pressure-producing MSY (FMSY), catch in terms of MSY (CMSY) and reference points such as stock size (B/BMSY) and exploitation rate (F/FMSY). Based on the results, the authors recognized the transition of the red snapper population in recent years and reported signs of a relatively positive trend. With the most recent year putting the species with a status of the biomass above the MSY (BMSY).

Lutjanus synagris:The species in the Gulf of Mexico was classified as near threatened by the IUCN in 2015 (Lindeman et al. 2015). Not recent stock assessment has been conducted in Mexico. In the US, managers assumed that a single unit stock for the GOM. Although some evidence of two genetically distinct stocks in the northern GOM based on microsatellites: a western stock which includes individuals from the northwestern and north central GOM and an eastern stock that includes individuals from the west coast of FL, the Florida Keys, and the Atlantic coast of FL (Karlsson et al. 2009).

Rhomboplites aurorubens:In the Mexican region of the Gulf of Mexico, there are no recent stock assessment for the species, in the US, however, at least five stocks (or subpopulations) of vermilion snapper have been described, as follows: The South Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, the Puerto Rico Snapper Complex, the St. Croix Snapper Complex and the St. Thomas/St. John Snapper Complex (NOAA 2023).

According to the most recent stock assessments: The Gulf of Mexico stock is not overfished (2020), and is not subject to overfishing based on 2022 catch data. The stock assessment information from the Stock SMART tool by NOAA explained shows the variations of the estimated stock abundance from 1950 to 2018, but also a constant increasing in landings during the same time period.

Bagre marinus: The stock structure is unknown, the most recent report on the status was published by managers within the National Fisheries Chart (NFC) where it was reported that the species was above the MSY. However, information on how this was estimated or peer-reviewed was unshared.

Currently, in the Mexican states, the use of these resources does not present specific regulations such as a fishing management plan, reproductive closures, quotas, or minimum catch sizes, considering its known status, its a need to update the public information about the resources, and the development of strategies for fishery management for this species, which involve the fisheries, government, academic and civil society organizations to establish standards for responsible fishing.

The fishery of the red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) is one of the most important in terms of the scale resource in the Gulf of Mexico (GM) region, being the fifth species of fish with greater extraction in Campeche (González-de la Rosa, Sánchez and Arreguín-Sánchez, 1994; Government of the State of Campeche, 2015).

FIP at a Glance

View current status
November 01, 2019
32% 39% 29%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
A Advanced Progress
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Next Update Due FisheryProgress requires a FIP to provide update reports every six months, and two missed reports will render the FIP inactive. If a report is overdue, this date will appear red.
Mar 2025
Target End Date
Dec 2027

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Comunidad y Biodiversidad, A.C.
Organization Type 
NGO
Primary Contact 
Gabriela Ehuan
Email 
gehuan@cobi.org.mx
Website Name 
COBI
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
12449

Overview

The EU surface longline fleet has been concentrating efforts on the implementation of national and regional strategies for the conservation of their target species including measures such as minimizing incidental catches, collaborating with the scientific community, and finning bans.

In 2014, an MSC pre-assessment was conducted for all swordfish and blue shark stocks, and in 2016, the fishery was close to meeting the MSC standard for north and south Atlantic swordfish. Focus on improvements for all the fleet operations moved towards promoting the creation of a FIP for all swordfish (Xiphias gladius ) and blue shark (Prionace glauca ) stocks for the North and South Atlantic Ocean, the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

The industry community recently created the ANECTEAM association to work together with the EU surface longline fleet. ANECTEAM is focused on getting visibility and recognition from the consumers, raising public and environmental NGO opinions about efforts to boost sustainability, encouraging distribution chains to purchase the fishery's products, and increasing recognition at the international level of a sustainable industry and fleet that is allowed to trade in fins and shark meat. This FIP represents 4 shipowners' associations (90 % catches EU fleet), 14 supply chain companies (80 % UE), and 160 fishing vessels (95% of EU fishing vessels in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans).

Due to their migratory nature and extensive distribution throughout several oceans, the management of swordfish and blue shark is carried out internationally by RFMOs (ICCAT, IOTC, IATTC, and WCPFC) through a system of catch totals (TAC)

Based on the MSC pre-assessment for the North and South Atlantic Spanish longline fishery in 2014 and a MSC full assessment in 2016 for swordfish, previously conducted, the scoring was updated in 2019 following the last MSC standard 2018; a new scoring was also carried out for blue shark according to last ICCAT assessment for BSH conducted in 2015 -edited in 2017- and mako shark for Principe 2 in 2017 (see full information in the Scoping Doc). A number of Performance Indicators (Pis) were scored so that the fishery would fail under a full MSC assessment (SG <60) and required conditions for other PIs (SG 60-79). The general objective is to increase the PIs (scored <60 or 60-79) to SG>80.

The FIP Blues has been originally designed to be implemented in three oceans: Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian. The present FIP will start by implementing the actions in the Atlantic ocean since the full MSC Assesment was focused on these fisheries, both north and south stocks. At the same time, in the subsequent years after the beginning of the tasks for the Atlantic, we will develop the Work Plan Action for the other oceans´ swordfish and blue shark fisheries.

The EU surface longline fleet has been concentrating efforts on the implementation of national and regional strategies for the conservation of their target species including measures such as minimizing incidental catches, collaborating with the scientific community, and finning bans.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
October 01, 2019
7% 32% 61%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
A Advanced Progress
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Next Update Due FisheryProgress requires a FIP to provide update reports every six months, and two missed reports will render the FIP inactive. If a report is overdue, this date will appear red.
May 2025
Target End Date
Dec 2024
Additional Impacts:
TraceabilityEcosystemOther

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
ANECTEAM (Asociación Nacional de Empresas Comercializadoras y Transformadores de Especies Altamente Migratorias)
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Emilio Martínez
Email 
milo@espaderos.com
Phone 
+34 986 243 480
Website Name 
ANECTEAM and Project Promoters (FIP BLUES)
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
11890

Overview

The blue crab resource supports North Carolina’s second most valuable commercial fishery. Average North Carolina hard crab landings since 1994 are 40 million pounds with an average dockside value of $28 million annually (NCDMF 2013), consistently ranking North Carolina in the top four blue crab harvesting states in the US. Coastal Heritage Seafood is a commercial buyer and processor of North Carolina blue crab, accounting for approximately 15% of the fishery production each year. It is their interest to pursue a comprehensive FIP with the goal of MSC certification.

Measured against the MSC standard, the fishery in its current state scores well in two of three principles surrounding management and impacts on the surrounding environment/other species. The fishery boasts an excellent state management system that collects both fishery dependent and independent data, as well as a robust fishery management plan with a harvest strategy. The fishery also demonstrates an exceptionally clean catch, with 99% of the catch being hard shell crab. The remaining 1% of the catch include blue crabs known as soft shell, peelers, and non-target species includes at least ten different finfish species and occasionally a diamondback terrapin, a species of concern (and the primary driver behind Monterey Bay Seafood Watch red Avoid rating).

However, the MSC principle focusing on target stock status and harvest strategy is the current weak point of the fishery when measured against the MSC standard, as at the time of pre-assessment based on 2015 stock statistics, the stock appears to be depleted as both the adult and recruits have fallen below the state’s levels of 75% abundance and production since 2012The current state management protocol does not include traditional reference points for the determination of overfishing or being overfished, nor does it provide the opportunity to evaluate the potential effectiveness of a management action that may potentially improve stock abundance. Because there is no independent observer program for the NC blue crab pot fishery, there are no recent data that can be used to characterize catch composition, including documenting interactions with species of concern.

At present time, the North Carolina blue crab pot fishery does not meet MSC standards with respect to the abundance of the target species, and because of the lack of an analytical model for stock assessment, it is impossible to evaluate the effectiveness of management measures to rebuild the stock.

The NC DMF has completed, with effective peer review, an analytical model for stock assessment that will allow for the following: better understanding of blue crab population dynamics in NC waters, the development of reference points, the evaluation of current stock status and fishing mortality against those reference points, and the evaluation of potential stock rebuilding strategies, if needed. In addition, NC Division of Marine Fisheries is planning to develop and implement a harvest strategy in accordance with the new assessment model.

The fishery does not completely meet the MSC standards for commitment to the principles to and implementation of the precautionary approach (PA). Developed by the FAO (e.g., FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries) in 1995, the PA seeks to protect fishery resources from fishing practices which might put their long-term viability in jeopardy. As adopted in the MSC standard, the PA means being cautious when information is uncertain, unreliable or inadequate and that the absence of adequate scientific information shall not be used as a reason for postponing or failing to take conservation and management measures. The pre-assessment identified that the North Carolina management system did not explicitly incorporate the elements of the PA into the fishery management policy. Upon review for this FIP, the FIP team determined that decision making for the blue crab fishery did not demonstrate evidence of using the PA.

The blue crab resource supports North Carolina’s second most valuable commercial fishery. Average North Carolina hard crab landings since 1994 are 40 million pounds with an average dockside value of $28 million annually (NCDMF 2013), consistently ranking North Carolina in the top four blue crab harvesting states in the US. Coastal Heritage Seafood is a commercial buyer and processor of North Carolina blue crab, accounting for approximately 15% of the fishery production each year. It is their interest to pursue a comprehensive FIP with the goal of MSC certification.

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Coastal Heritage Seafood
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Tara Carawan
Email 
tcarawan76@yahoo.com
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
8500

Overview

Target Species (1) Red Octopus (Octopus maya), in Spanish Pulpo maya o rojo and (2) Common Octopus (O. vulgaris), in Spanish Pulpo patón o común. Geographical Area - Province of Yucatan

Method of Capture : Red Octopus: Fishing drifting rod with lines containing bait, no hook, this method is known locally as gareteo, Common Octopus: Also employs a fishing rod with lines and bait, in this fishery a hook is used at the line and in Yucatan peninsula the pole and line fishing gear is also used.

Stock(s) - The Red Octopus is an endemic species from Mexico and is a member of the family Octopodidae. Its known distribution is from the waters adjacent to Isla del Carmen in Campeche to Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo. One single stock is exploited based on genetic studies. The Common Octopus has a wide distribution in tropical and subtropical regions in the world. In particular, in Mexico, it is distributed throughout the Gulf of Mexico, it is found from the coastline up to 400 m deep, but it is more abundant below 100 m and its abundance decreases as depth increases. It is exploited in the Yucatan Peninsula and Veracruz. No genetic studies are available that could be used to establish a stock structure.

Fleet(s) Red Octopus: Small-scale and medium-scale fleets with octopus permits fishing and landing in the State of Yucatan, Mexico. Common Octopus: medium-scale fleets with octopus permits fishing and landing in the State of Yucatan, Mexico.
 

Target Species (1) Red Octopus (Octopus maya), in Spanish Pulpo maya o rojo and (2) Common Octopus (O. vulgaris), in Spanish Pulpo patón o común. Geographical Area - Province of Yucatan

Method of Capture : Red Octopus: Fishing drifting rod with lines containing bait, no hook, this method is known locally as gareteo, Common Octopus: Also employs a fishing rod with lines and bait, in this fishery a hook is used at the line and in Yucatan peninsula the pole and line fishing gear is also used.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
January 01, 2019
14% 36% 50%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
A Advanced Progress
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Next Update Due FisheryProgress requires a FIP to provide update reports every six months, and two missed reports will render the FIP inactive. If a report is overdue, this date will appear red.
Feb 2025
Target End Date
Apr 2025
Additional Impacts:
EcosystemRoundtableOther

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Alianza por el pulpo en Yucatán
Organization Type 
NGO
Primary Contact 
Miguel Ángel Gamboa-Álvarez
Email 
fippulpo@gmail.com
Website Name 
FIP Pulpo Yucatán
Organization Name 
Comunidad y Biodiversidad, A.C.
Organization Type 
NGO
Primary Contact 
Polo Barajas-Girón
Email 
mbarajas@cobi.org.mx
Phone 
+52 622 222 49 90
Website Name 
Comunidad y Biodiversidad, A.C.
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
10470

Overview

Crabs are an important commercial resource in Mexico. Their catch value is among the ten most important in the country. The blue crab in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly in Campeche, is considered a resource that has little information compared to other important economic resources, such as octopus or red grouper, therefore, environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the fishery are unknown. The aim of this project is to update or generate biological and ecological information for the crab fishery,  in order to provide guidance on sustainable harvest.

The Campeche blue crab FIP is looking to engage with industry, government entities and academic institutions to expand the scope and depth of the project. 

Crabs are an important commercial resource in Mexico. Their catch value is among the ten most important in the country. The blue crab in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly in Campeche, is considered a resource that has little information compared to other important economic resources, such as octopus or red grouper, therefore, environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the fishery are unknown. The aim of this project is to update or generate biological and ecological information for the crab fishery,  in order to provide guidance on sustainable harvest.

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Alimentos del Mar de Norte America
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Yesica Hernandez Rubio
Email 
info@bluecrab.com.mx
Website Name 
ALMAR
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
7561

Overview

The actors, involved in the spiny lobster fishery in southern Quintana Roo, worked to improve and maintain responsible fishing practices in the pursuit of sustainability. In 2012, the spiny lobster fishery became MSC-certified. However, due to the lack of resources needed to maintain it, the fishery lost certification in 2016. A FIP was launched after this process, but the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic factors impacted the process, that was halted at the end of 2021. 

Though the certification was lost, interest in continuing to work towards the sustainability of the fishery was still strong. It was decided to restart the project in 2024. This would make it possible to improve the vulnerable areas of the fishery, and to maintain what had been achieved previously. This FIP’s scheme would also let the actors show the work that has been done with the intention of increasing the possibilities to access into new and preferential markets, in addition to becoming a model of sustainability for other artisanal fisheries. 

The project focus on the work of the cooperative that harvest the species diving via hand held or with the use of casitas (artificial reefs). The cooperative is a consolidated group that has a concession in the region to exclusively access the species, which is an important part of their income. No major social risks are expected, with potential formalization of internal processes, such as the grievance mechanism or having a policy in place regarding members rights. 

The actors, involved in the spiny lobster fishery in southern Quintana Roo, worked to improve and maintain responsible fishing practices in the pursuit of sustainability. In 2012, the spiny lobster fishery became MSC-certified. However, due to the lack of resources needed to maintain it, the fishery lost certification in 2016. A FIP was launched after this process, but the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic factors impacted the process, that was halted at the end of 2021. 

FIP at a Glance

View current status
March 01, 2017
14% 86%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
Not yet available
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Next Update Due FisheryProgress requires a FIP to provide update reports every six months, and two missed reports will render the FIP inactive. If a report is overdue, this date will appear red.
Jul 2025
Target End Date
Dec 2029
Additional Impacts:
EcosystemOther

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Sociedad Cooperativa de Producción Pesquera Cozumel
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Miguel Angel Canto Canto
Email 
miguel.bvb22@gmail.com
Phone 
+52 987 2628276
Website Name 
https://www.alianzakanankay.org/en/2022/02/cozumel-fishing-cooperative/
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
5046

Overview

What is a Completed FIP?

Completed FIPs are those that have independent verification that they have achieved their environmental objectives and/or graduated to MSC full assessment or other program assessment. Completed FIPs no longer report on their environmental performance but may choose to voluntarily report on their social performance.

Explanation of Completion: This FIP was completed and entered MSC full assessment in September 2018 and was certified in August 2019.

Completion Link

The FIP profile provides information on the work that needs to be completed so the Guyana Atlantic seabob fishery can enter into MSC certification. PI 1 and PI 3 were addressed through work that was done between 2012 and 2016. Efforts are now being made to address the ecological and environmental concerns of the fishery so as meet the whole of the MSC Standard.

The main issue now identified which will form the basis for the research and work plans is to design and implement an improved programme of research to inform and update the information and scientific advice available to the SWG, with a particular focus on monitoring of bycatch, interactions with ETP, and habitat/ecosystem impacts of trawling (to be completed by third quarter 2018).

A research plan was already developed (2nd quarter 2017), and implementation has begun, with significant progress expected by 3rd quarter 2018.

The FIP profile provides information on the work that needs to be completed so the Guyana Atlantic seabob fishery can enter into MSC certification. PI 1 and PI 3 were addressed through work that was done between 2012 and 2016. Efforts are now being made to address the ecological and environmental concerns of the fishery so as meet the whole of the MSC Standard.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
May 01, 2012
37% 59% 4%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
Not yet available
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Target End Date
Dec 2020
Additional Impacts:
IUUEcosystem

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Guyana Association of Private Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Dawn Maison
Email 
d1075190@gmail.com
Phone 
592 6872641
Website Name 
Guyana Seabob Fishery
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
3421

Overview

What is a Completed FIP?

Completed FIPs are those that have independent verification that they have achieved their environmental objectives and/or graduated to MSC full assessment or other program assessment. Completed FIPs no longer report on their environmental performance but may choose to voluntarily report on their social performance.

Date of Completion: Jan 2023

Explanation of Completion: The FIP has achieved certification through the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) Certificate Program.

Completion Link

In 2008, a FIP was announced for the Texas shrimp fishery led by the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP). 

A public work plan for the fishery was published in 2012 with the goals of 1) reducing bycatch through fine-tuning turtle excluder devices (TEDs) and bycatch reduction devices (BRDs), and  2) evaluating NOAA's observer program coverage. Both of these actions are still ongoing within the Texas Shrimp FIP. Fine-tuning of TEDs has shown substantial success in helping industry reduce sea turtle bycatch, with NOAA reporting an increase in TED effectiveness from an average of approximately 89% in 2014 to over 95% in 2016 and 2017. SFP's Shrimp Supplier Roundtable continues to engage NOAA regarding observers on a regional level. 

In 2016, SFP handed over leadership of the FIP to the Audubon Nature Institute’s Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries Program (G.U.L.F.), a regional group that is able to work closely with industry members in Texas to further enhance the sustainability of the fishery. Initially, the second stage of the Texas Shrimp FIP started as a Basic FIP. However, based on participant needs, it transitioned into a Comprehensive FIP as outlined by the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions. 

In 2008, a FIP was announced for the Texas shrimp fishery led by the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP). 

FIP at a Glance

View current status
June 01, 2016
14% 86%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
Not yet available
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Target End Date
Dec 2022
Additional Impacts:
Roundtable

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Audubon Nature Institute's Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries
Primary Contact 
John Fallon
Email 
jfallon@auduboninstitute.org
Phone 
504-762-9116
Website Name 
Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
2706

Overview

What is a Completed FIP?

Completed FIPs are those that have independent verification that they have achieved their environmental objectives and/or graduated to MSC full assessment or other program assessment. Completed FIPs no longer report on their environmental performance but may choose to voluntarily report on their social performance.

Date of Completion: Aug 2020

Explanation of Completion: This FIP entered MSC full assessment in 2020 and achieved certification in 2021 but it is continuing to report on its social performance.

Completion Link

This FIP encompasses all global tropical tuna stocks of three species: bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) for a total of 13 Units of Certification. In the case of this specific sub-FIP for the Atlantic Ocean, we deal with four stocks of tunas: two for skipjack (eastern and western), and one each for bigeye tuna and yellowfin tuna.

Because of the set-up of this webpage, the overarching FIP was broken into four sub-FIPs according to the relevant RFMO (IATTC, ICCAT, IOTC, and WCPFC). The reasoning behind this division is that each RFMO has different scores and actions for the various MSC principles, in particular Principles 1 & 3. Had we grouped all RFMOs we would not have been able to neither present nor track the various activities and timelines in a cohesive, clear and comprehensive manner.

Perfil de FIP en Español

This FIP encompasses all global tropical tuna stocks of three species: bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) for a total of 13 Units of Certification. In the case of this specific sub-FIP for the Atlantic Ocean, we deal with four stocks of tunas: two for skipjack (eastern and western), and one each for bigeye tuna and yellowfin tuna.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
October 01, 2016
11% 57% 32%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
Not yet available
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Target End Date
Sep 2021
Additional Impacts:
TraceabilityIUUEcosystemOther

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
OPAGAC
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Dr Julio Morón
Email 
julio.moron@opagac.org
Phone 
+34 91 431 48 57
Website Name 
http://www.opagac.org
Organization Name 
WWF
Organization Type 
NGO
Primary Contact 
Raul Garcia Rodriguez
Email 
pesca@wwf.es
Website Name 
Smart Fishing
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
1521

Overview

The blue crab fishery in the Yucatan is an artisanal fishery where blue crab is caught by ring net/pot traps and sometimes with dipnets. It includes areas from the Mexican states of Campeche, Tabasco & Yucatan. Catches from these states represent 14% of swimming crab catches in Mexico.  70% of the suppliers catches are from Sabancuy and Isla Aguada, Campeche where Callinectes sapidus predominates.

Pontchartrain Blue Crab (based in Louisiana, USA), and PESMAR, its Yucatan suppliers, launched a fishery improvement project in April 2013. A preliminary assessment against the Marine Stewardship Council Standard (July 2013) suggested the fishery would score in the 60-80 range.  The two lowest scores were for bycatch monitoring and information (PI 2.2.3) and for monitoring the performance of the management system (PI 3.2.5).  Mayaland Seafood LLC integrated to the project in this period.  A preliminary assessment against the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch criteria in 2015 found more information was needed on bycatch.  Leadership was handed to CeDePesca starting on 2019, workplan was updated and activities were re-established.

FIP is engaged with industry, fishermen, government entities and academic institutions looking forward to strength this collaborations.

The blue crab fishery in the Yucatan is an artisanal fishery where blue crab is caught by ring net/pot traps and sometimes with dipnets. It includes areas from the Mexican states of Campeche, Tabasco & Yucatan. Catches from these states represent 14% of swimming crab catches in Mexico.  70% of the suppliers catches are from Sabancuy and Isla Aguada, Campeche where Callinectes sapidus predominates.

FIP at a Glance

View current status
March 01, 2013
4% 50% 4% 43%
Progress Rating (A) Advanced Progress

Reserved for comprehensive FIPs that have achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within the past 12 months.

(B) Good Progress

A basic FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result within 12 months.

(C) Some Recent Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months that has never achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result but has reported a Stage 3 activity within the first 12 months.
(D) Some Past Progress
  • A FIP that has achieved a Stage 4 or 5 result in more than 12 (but less than 24) months BUT has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old AND a Stage 3 activity has been reported within six months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.
(E) Negligible Progress
  • A FIP for which the most recent Stage 4 or 5 result is more than 24 (but less than 36) months old, with no Stage 3 activity reported in the last six months.
  • A FIP younger than 12 months with no Stage 3 activity reported within 12 months.
  • A FIP 12-36 months old that has never reported a Stage 4 or 5 result AND has not reported a Stage 3 activity within the past six months.

The ratings are currently derived by SFP from publicly available data on FIP websites, including FisheryProgress.org, and are determined using the following methodology: View PDF
B Good Progress
Actions Complete

This pie chart represents completed environmental actions. Non-completed environmental actions may contain completed sub-tasks that are not illustrated here. For more information on environmental action progress visit the Actions Progress tab.
  • Complete
  • Incomplete
Next Update Due FisheryProgress requires a FIP to provide update reports every six months, and two missed reports will render the FIP inactive. If a report is overdue, this date will appear red.
Mar 2025
Target End Date
Apr 2025
Additional Impacts:
TraceabilityEcosystem

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Pescados y Mariscos del Caribe, S.A. de C.V. (PESMAR)
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Rudy Abad
Email 
rudy@pesmar.com.mx
Phone 
+ 52 9699344119
Website Name 
PESMAR - Pescados y Mariscos del Caribe
Organization Name 
CeDePesca
Organization Type 
NGO
Primary Contact 
Minerva Alonso
Email 
minerva.alonso@cedepesca.net
Phone 
+521 9992423250
Website Name 
CeDePesca's Mexico Yucatan Peninsula blue crab FIP Site
Organization Name 
Pontchartrain Blue Crab
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Gary Bauer
Email 
garyb@pontchartrainbluecrab.com
Website Name 
Yucatan crab fishery improvement project
Organization Name 
Mayaland Seafood LLC
Organization Type 
Industry
Primary Contact 
Yara Bradford
Email 
mayaland@live.com
Phone 
228 332 1026
Website Name 
Mayaland Seafood LLC
FIP Identification Number The FIP Identification Number is automatically generated by FisheryProgress when a FIP profile is created. While the number itself is not meaningful, they are used by NGOs, academia, and industry to refer to FIPs in a consistent way.
1356

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