MEXICO 



The total Mexican shrimp catch averaged 

 about 80 million poands annually (1950-195U), heads- 

 on basis of which about 75 percent was exported 

 frozen to the United States. About two-thirds of 

 the Mexican shrimp production comes from the west 

 coast and one-third from the east coast. 



The Mexican shrimp lisheiy appears to 

 have reached the stage where productive ability no 

 longer depends on fishing or plant capacity. Pro- 

 duction depends more on the biological potential of 

 the species of shrimp and the capacity of the market 

 to absorb smaJ.ler-sized shrimp. In the Gulf of 

 California there seems to be a large supply of small 

 pink shrimp (hO and over to the pound) in deeper 

 v/aters than are now being fished. 28/ 



In Mexico there are about 38 freezing 

 plants, 7 canneries, 9 freezing boats, k transport 

 boats, and 750 trawlers involved in the shrimp 

 fishery. 29/ These represent a total investment of 

 about $22 million, of which about 12 percent is 

 United States capital. 



There are about l4,600 regular fishermen, 

 and about 6,600 fishing seasonally. Fishing is 

 restricted to local fishermen belonging to offi- 

 cially recognized cooperatives. 



Shrimp freezing-capacity is over 300 

 tons daily. 



28/ There was an unusual and heavy run of brown shrimp in the Gulf 

 oT California during the fall and winter of 1955-56. Between Sep- 

 tember 1 and December 31 of 1955, Guayinas exports of frozen shrimp, 

 for instanr.e, were more than twice the level for the same period in 

 195ii. 



29/ During 1955 at least 7 freezing plants, 2 canneries, and 3 

 freezing ships did not operate. Most of these were on the west coast, 



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