FishSource

Mexico Gulf of California Sinaloa chocolate clam and chirla clam - diving & hand gathered (FIP)

Last Updated: 2023-02-23

Progress Rating: B

Evaluation Start Date: 2019-07-01

Type: Basic

Status: Active

FIP Lead: Pronatura Noroeste A.C. (PNA), Environmental Defense Fund of Mexico (EDFM)

Stock Profile Link
Squalid callista - Gulf of California

Comments:

This FIP reported in March 2023 and the last stage 4 was reported in March 2022. With the last stage 4 reported within the past 12 months, the FIP remains B rated.

1. FIP Development	Oct 18	Fishery assessment or scoping document made public 8 October 2018 — MSC pre-assessment made public
2. FIP Launch	Nov 18	Confirmation of project participants 6 November 2018 — Participants list confirmed
2. FIP Launch	Sep 21	Workplan made public 1 September 2021 — Updated workplan made available 1 July 2019 — Workplan published
3. FIP Implementation	Mar 23	FIP activities undertaken 23 March 2023 — Workshop on the use of the e-logbook was conducted by the FIP; 19 attendees participated in the workshop. 1 March 2023 — Preliminary monitoring results have been made available via presentation; the results demonstrate minimal ETP interactions. The final report of the results is pending completion. 1 March 2023 — The FIP continues to analyze historic and current sampling data 28 February 2023 — The 8th plenary meeting of the FIP took place in late 2022; the group discussed FIP updates including an update on the results of the sampling protocol for clams 8 September 2022 — A fishing ban has been extended to the 2022- 2023 fishing season 1 September 2022 — The monitoring program continues to collect and record data 18 May 2022 — The 2nd 'Design and Creation of Capacities in the Field of Inspection and Surveillance' workshop was held; stakeholders in attendance agreed to support the Sinaloa government enforcement program. 3 March 2022 — Monitoring data and updates presented at spring 2022 FIP meeting 1 September 2021 — Preliminary report created for the community monitoring program in Altata-Ensenada del Pavilion 16 June 2021 — Workshop held on the collection, handling and fixation of mollusk samples bivalves for reproductive histology study 15 June 2021 — Genetic analysis of Sinaloa chocolate clam has completed; FIP is now moving forward with stock assessment planning. 18 March 2021 — Genetic analysis of Sinaloa chocolate clam is ongoing and near completion 3 March 2021 — Comprehensive management proposal was presented in last virtual meeting, which outlines the HCR and the need for its adoption 1 March 2021 — Outreach poster produced to communicate ban to local area 10 December 2020 — In late 2020, the consultative management committee was officially installed 10 December 2020 — Advisory committee meeting held in December 2020 10 September 2020 — Data collection of secondary species is underway 4 September 2020 — The FIP held a technical meeting in which (CONAPESCA) reported the status of the official bivalve standard 1 September 2020 — The fishing ban implemented in March continues into fall 2020 4 July 2020 — Study produced on the metapopulation structure of the chocolata clam from genomic data 1 March 2020 — An inspection and surveillance diagnosis was carried out to identify the feasibility of installing this remote surveillance system. 1 March 2020 — Sampling of Sinaloa chocolate clam has initated and prelimary results have been presented to stakeholders 1 March 2020 — The conceptual map of the fisheries management committee and a draft of its guidelines have been prepared 10 December 2019 — A meeting was held in November with the fisheries sector to explain the proposed fishing ban for two years 4 November 2019 — The municipal governments were integrated into the activities of the FIP 16 October 2019 — A meeting was held with the General Directorate of Inspection and Surveillance of CONAPESCA to request their support. 1 September 2019 — FMP published and the currently being implemented 19 August 2019 — Trainees invited to workshop 18 February 2019 — Seasonal closure request made
4. Improvements in Fishing Practices and Fishery Management	Mar 22	Verifiable improvement in policy/management and fishing practices 1 March 2022 — Increase to PI 2.1.3 2.2.3; based on 2021 catch data, there are no primary species or secondary species. 13 May 2021 — Increase in PI 3.2.2; more transparent and effective management system in place 13 May 2021 — Increase in PI 3.2.1; the FMP has been published, which includes management objectives for all fisheries targeted within its scope 1 May 2020 — Technical opinion made by INAPESCA to CONAPESCA was accepted. It calls for a total ban of fishing for chocolate clams in Altata for 2 years and entered into force May 1, 2020 1 September 2019 — The Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) has been published in Sept 2019. The first stages are being implementated.
5. Improvements on the Water	Mar 22	Verifiable improvement on the water 1 March 2022 — Increase to PI 1.2.4; an RBF has been carried out which demonstrates (mostly) high productivity
6. MSC certification (optional)	—	MSC certificate made public