Baja California’s sardine fleet demonstrates leadership in responsible fisheries management
-- The voluntary February closure of the Pacific sardine fishery in the Baja California region has successfully concluded, marking a collaborative milestone between policymakers, scientists, and members of the regional fishing industry. The temporary closure was implemented to reduce the capture of juvenile sardines during a period when young fish are historically more prevalent in the fishery.
From January through March, juvenile sardines are more commonly found in regional waters. By voluntarily suspending fishing operations in February, industry stakeholders took a proactive step to protect the long term health of the sardine population and strengthen sustainable management practices for the fishery.
The initiative was coordinated through the Alliance for the Sustainability of Sardines (ALISSA), a coalition representing members of the sardine fleet across Baja California and Baja California Sur. The alliance is working toward certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Standard, widely recognized as the leading global benchmark for sustainable fisheries.
The voluntary closure reflects a science-driven and industry-supported approach to fisheries management. While not required under Mexican law, the measure demonstrates the sector’s commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems and the coastal communities that depend on them.
Under existing Mexican fisheries regulations, catch limits include strict size requirements and established thresholds for juvenile sardines. These measures are designed to ensure responsible harvesting and the long-term sustainability of the resource.
Baja Aqua Farms, a leading aquaculture and seafood company in the region, actively monitors catch sizes and enforces rigorous operational standards through its fishing subsidiary, MARPESCA. The company also implements performance incentives for vessel captains that encourage the capture of larger sardines and minimize incidental juvenile catch.
In 2025, Baja Aqua Farms limited juvenile sardine landings to 15 percent of total catch, significantly below Mexico’s regulatory threshold of 33 percent, reducing juvenile catch by more than 55 percent compared to the permitted limit.
The voluntary closure initiative was supported by Baja Aqua Farms, Mexico’s National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA), and fellow members of ALISSA. Together, these stakeholders continue to advance collaborative management strategies aimed at improving fishery performance and achieving MSC certification.
Through science-based management and cross-industry cooperation, the Pacific sardine fishery in Baja California is strengthening its path toward long term sustainability and responsible ocean stewardship.
Through science-based management and cross-industry cooperation, the Pacific sardine fishery in Baja California is strengthening its path toward long term sustainability and responsible ocean stewardship.
About Baja Aqua Farms
Baja Aqua Farms is a responsible aquaculture company dedicated to producing high-quality seafood through environmentally conscious practices, operational excellence, and transparent supply chain management. By integrating advanced production systems, rigorous environmental monitoring, and strong community partnerships, the company delivers fully traceable products that meet the highest standards of quality and accountability. With a focus on responsible growth and long-term stewardship, Baja Aqua Farms is committed to shaping the future of aquaculture through innovation, integrity, and measurable impact.
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