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Mexico City, Mexico - The Mexican government has announced a new website aimed at helping US tourists understand the steps required to fish legally in its waters. It will be designed towards clarifying the requirements of the country's federal agencies including customs, fisheries, and immigration.
"The message is very clear. You are most welcome in our country because tourists are important in Mexico," said Ana Luisa Fajer, director general of Mexico’s Foreign Relations Secretariat for North America. "But at the same time there are very clear and specific rules and regulations."
Fajer and other Mexican federal officials announced the new website last week at the Mexican Consulate in San Diego. They expect to launch the website later this year.
On the site, visitors will learn about things such as Mexican customs' rules stating that visitors can bring up to four fishing rods into the country without paying duties. They will also learn that they need to pay about $25 for a tourist visa from Mexico's National Migration Institute. Rodulfo Figueroa, Mexico's top federal immigration official in Baja California estimated that only 25 percent of those who come fishing in Mexico do so with the proper permit.
Failure to comply with the regulations can result in an abrupt end to fishing trips. The new website is expected to provide information about the rules and list specific sanctions that apply for those who violate them.
"Nautical tourists will be informed of which documents they will need to go fishing in Mexico with no hesitation," said Alejandro Santander, a representative of Mexico’s Tourism Board.
San Diego sportfishermen in recent years has expressed concern about the lack of clarity surrounding Mexico’s regulations. At a meeting in San Diego last year with Mexican authorities, boaters said they were confused about how to comply with Mexico’s tourist visa requirements.
Louis Almeida, president of the "San Diego Anglers," a recreational fishing club with 400 members, applauded the announcement. "It would be very beneficial to have a one-stop shop," he said. "Right now we go to multiple websites."
Fred Huber, co-owner of three sportfishing boats in San Diego, said those in the charter business are mindful of following Mexican regulations. "We've had to learn how to do it, because it's our business," he said. "We're dealing with a foreign country, and we're just thankful to be there."
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