A seasonal ban on the commercial capture of sharks and rays took effect May 1 along Mexico’s Pacific coast, including Baja California Sur, as authorities aim to protect vulnerable species during their reproductive period.
The restriction, issued by the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA), will remain in place through July 31. During this period, fishing for most shark and ray species is prohibited in federal waters.
Sharks and rays have long been part of coastal life in Baja California Sur, where they are caught for both subsistence and commercial purposes. The fishery is largely artisanal, supporting local employment and food supply. In addition to targeted fishing, incidental catches occur when vessels pursue species such as tuna, shrimp and other finfish.
Demand for shark and ray products also drives the fishery. Their meat is widely consumed in the region and sold in domestic and international markets, while some byproducts, including fins, carry additional commercial value. Many of these species, however, are considered threatened, prompting stricter management measures.
CONAPESCA enforces both seasonal and permanent bans. The current closure is designed to allow populations to reproduce and recover. A permanent ban remains in effect for particularly vulnerable species, including the great white shark, whale shark, basking shark and certain giant manta rays. Authorities have also identified the corridor between Loreto and Cabo Pulmo as a priority area for population recovery.
While shark and ray fishing is temporarily halted, the harvest of geoduck clams began the same day. The season for Panopea globosa runs from May 1, 2026 through Feb. 9, 2027, in Magdalena Bay.
The geoduck fishery is one of the state’s most valuable. Harvesting is concentrated in the Magdalena-Almejas Bay region, home to some of Mexico’s most productive clam beds. The species, a large, long-lived bivalve, lives buried in sandy seabeds at depths of 15 to 30 meters and is typically collected by specialized divers.
Although geoducks are distributed along the Pacific coast from the Baja California Peninsula to the Gulf of California, much of the commercial harvest occurs in Baja California Sur. Their biological characteristics, particularly their longevity, require strict regulation to prevent overexploitation.
Officials say the combination of seasonal closures and regulated openings is intended to balance economic activity with long-term sustainability in the region’s fisheries.
