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March 8, 2005 - Fishing industry in the Upper Gulf of California
Message from Antonio Diaz, President / CEO, Ocean Garden Products, Inc. in response to NRDC's (Natural Resouces Defense Council) press release dated March 8, 2005.
"On March 8th, 2005 the activist group, Natural Resources Defense Council, distributed a counterfactual commentary to the news media about the fishing industry in the Upper Gulf of California. This news release created erroneous impressions of the Mexican shrimp industry and Ocean Garden, and does a disservice to the thousands of hard working and honorable laborers involved in providing quality shrimp to consumers in the United States and elsewhere."
"Ocean Garden and the Mexican shrimp industry are committed to being trusted stewards of our environment and rigorously adhering to the existing strict regulations of the Gulf of California / Sea of Cortez region."
"Throughout this region there are zones where no fishing activity is allowed and the shrimp season is limited by scientific and strict controls. These controls serve to protect critical species and areas such as sea turtles and the California Gulf porpoise / vaquita marina."
"This region is an important contributor to the economy of Mexico by providing meaningful employment to tens of thousands of workers in the towns and villages of these coastal areas. Although no industry is perfect, to suggest these fishermen would do anything to harm this region, their livelihood, would be simply wrong."
"Ocean Garden will continue its commitment to working together with the Mexican government including the ministry of fisheries, CONAPESCA; the environmental department, SEMARNAT; the enforcement arm, PROFEPA; and the Mexican Coast Guard."
"As a member of Ocean Trust, we help to ensure a sustainable and environmentally sound resource for the future. For more information on our commitment to a responsible seafood industry, the environment, and sustainability, please visit the Ocean Trust website." |
