Tuna, shrimp, red snapper, crab, octopus, oysters, mussels, tilapia, snook, and trout are just some of the over 589 species of fish and seafood that inhabit the 11,122 kilometers of coastline in Mexico and adorn markets and fairs during the Lent season year after year, ultimately making their way to our tables in countless preparations.

According to the Mexican Council for the Promotion of Fishing and Aquaculture Products (COMEPESCA), the consumption of fish and seafood ranges between 13 and 14 kilograms per person annually, while the volume of fishing production exceeds two million tons each year.

Unfortunately, the capacity of our coastlines to provide food through fishing is declining at an alarming rate due to overfishing, the deterioration of our marine ecosystems, and climate change to the extent that 70% of our commercial fish and seafood are at maximum utilization, 17% are overexploited, and 13% are under development. 

To make matters worse, it is expected that the demand for fish and seafood will continue to rise, leading to even greater overexploitation of our marine species. 

Now that you know the difficult reality of our seas and oceans, we invite you to reconnect with them and follow these five tips when purchasing fish and seafood:

1. Consume domestic products

2. Respect fishing bans and restrictions

3. Buy from established and authorized vendors

4. Diversify your palate

5. Make the most of your fish and seafood

As we can see, we can all contribute to the preservation of our marine species, which is why this Lent, we invite you to learn about Mexican marine species and their fishing bans, promote companies that practice sustainable fishing, and be conscious and responsible consumers.