Fish and their seasons

In Mexico, we have a great diversity of fish and seafood. However, it is vital to know the products and, above all, to respect their cycles and seasons to maintain the populations of the species and keep fisheries at a healthy level.The closed season refers to the prohibition of fishing a species during a specific period or in a specific area. There are three types of closed seasons: Permanently: The resource cannot be exploited at any time of the year indefinitely, such as the vaquita marina, totoaba, whales, snails, dolphins, manta rays, sea cucumbers, great white sharks, and freshwater and marine turtles. Fixed temporary: Established for a defined period, which is repeated annually. In this type of closed season are abalone, tuna, crab, sea urchin, lobster, shrimp, oyster, octopus, snook, and tilapia. Variable temporary: Established for a defined period, which is updated annually, such as the case of shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as from the Pacific. During this Lenten season, we invite you to consume seasonal fish and seafood. Choose fresh species with shiny scales, firm flesh, clear and firm eyes, and a fresh smell. If you detect an unpleasant odor, do not buy it, as it is likely to be decomposing. Try to consume it on the same day you buy it and dare to create different recipes, like the ones we have compiled here in our Lenten section.