Gulf of California, Mexico – sardine

MSC status

Certified as sustainable in  July 2011.

Summary

Species:  Sardines (Sardinops sagax)
Location:  Gulf of California, Mexico.
Fishing methods:  Purse Seine
Vessels: 36
Number of fisheries: 1

More about sardines

Pacific sardines are small schooling forage fish that grow up to 40 cm at the northern distribution areas and 20 cm at the Gulf of California. They are low level consumers that attain large biomasses and are therefore usually restricted to high productivity areas. While predominantly coastal, they are occasionally found as far as 200 nm offshore.

More about the fishing methods

Fish caught in the Mexican sardine fishery form large schools that are fished by purse seines which are hauled on board and landed mostly by fish pumps. Typical fishing boats are 25 m long with a 120 ton capacity, and main engine of about 520 HP. They are often equipped with refrigeration. Mean crew size is 8 fishermen. Nets have a mesh size of 25 mm. Fishing trips are usually short, 1-2 days, and are often guided by aerial surveys.

Commercial market

About 85% of the total production is used for reduction to fishmeal and mostly used for animal feeds.  Sardines are also packed in cans for sale into domestic and foreign markets.

Actual eligibility date

1st November 2010