April 19, 2007

Mexico's Coronados Tuna Farm copes with unwanted visitors

Recreational boats are disrupting operations at a tuna farm in Mexico's Coronado Islands, snagging into ropes and fish pens when they drive through the farm at maximum speeds.

The tuna farm is sited in a concession granted by the Mexican government but is close to the San Diego bay in the US, where recreational boats routinely cross over to the farm territory.

The concession is restricted water reserved for tuna farming, the Baja Aqua Farms spokesman pointed out. While not exactly damaging to the fish, the boats could be entangled in the ropes used to hold the 20 fishpens and pose a danger to the farm's divers. Boats still come into the territory despite clear markers, he noted.

The concession is licensed and regulated by the Mexican government. Last year, the 10 concessions in Baja reportedly generated more than US$150 million.

The frequent incursions and the costs at stake has prompted the Mexican navy and to anchor boats next to the Baja Aqua Farms site to warn boaters to steer clear. The spokesman said the farm has been there for 5 years and boaters should be more aware of the farm for their own safety.