The National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA) in Mexico will implement over the next three years a programme to renovate the fleet of vessels engaged in the high seas catch of shrimp, sardines, squid, octopus and shark.
The objectives of the plan "modernisation of the offshore fleet" are to:
• Prolong the life of the fishing fleet;
• Comply with health regulations of various markets (certification);
• Revive the shipbuilding industry;
• Generate new jobs;
• Increase the competitiveness of the sector;
• Benefit 360 producers;
• Maintain 3270 direct and indirect jobs.
The Government also aims to reduce the cost of maintenance and operation of the offshore fleet by 20 per cent and achieve energy efficiency, modernise of the cold chain, train crew members and use selective equipment and fishing gear.
The Mexican fishing fleet has an average life of 32.5 years, and is subject to renewal of every ship with up to 25 years of use.
Through the implementation of the programme, parts for ships that have at least 10 years of life left will be repaired or replaced. This will enable them to obtain certification and will enable the revival of the shipbuilding industry in the country, said Ramon Corral Avila of Conapesca.
For the enforcment of the initiative, the federal government is scheduled to contribute 40 per cent of total investment, while the remainder (60 per cent) will be awarded, in equal parts, by state governments and producers.
So far, grants of MXN 75 million (USD 5.7 million) have been authorised for the care of an estimated 120 vessels.
Another MXN 125 million (USD 9.6 million) are expected to advance the modernization.
Source: Fish Information and Services (FIS)
