After being suspended for over six years, the PROME, the Project for the Improvement of Pacific mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) in Guatemala, has been reactivated, which is being carried out by Industria Pesquera y Camaronera de Guatemala S.A. (Indupecasa) and Centro para el Desarrollo y la Pesca Sostenible (CeDePesca).
This Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) aims to collect data for evaluating the stock, taking advantage of the abundant presence of mahi-mahi in the area. Additionally, it will assess the risks associated with bycatch and straddling species, ultimately informing decision-making processes.
This is a step forward not only in research but also in economic matters of the sector. According to the AGEXPORT figure of 2022, the aquaculture and fishing sector closed with exports of USD 154.8 million (EUR 141.2 million). The trend for 2023 is a growth of 2% and its principal markets are Spain, the U.S., and Mexico.
An important and highly technological sector that employs more than 13,000 people and that will have more information at its disposal from this research of both species.
Guatemala is a country whose history and geography make fishing one of the industries par excellence. With a tradition for the trade that dates back to Mayan times, the Mesoamerican country is also characterized by its access to the Caribbean Sea and its extensive and deep rivers that facilitate navigation. It is in this context, this project was born for mahi-mahi and added after the yellowfin tuna, two highly migratory oceanic pelagic fish species. Both species are a source of livelihood along Guatemala's coasts, particularly in Escuintla, one of the country's principal fishing districts.
Fishing in this area is carried out by small artisanal boats with an average net registered tonnage of 2 tons. Furthermore, to do it, they use manual longlines with a maximum of 1,000 hooks.
With these characteristics, they will run out the study. So, despite requiring time to regain momentum, it has emerged stronger than ever.
Since its establishment in 1997, this nonprofit organization dedication is to assisting Latin American fisheries in achieving sustainability. Their primary approach involves implementing Fishery Improvement Projects that bring together stakeholders to address the main challenges hindering sustainability. With a multidisciplinary team located throughout Latin America, they conduct research, provide training, and facilitate dialogue among fishing sector actors. Their vision is to establish fishing as a sustainable catalyst for social and cultural development in the region. By promoting collaboration and sustainable practices, they strive to achieve lasting change in Latin American and Caribbean fisheries.