Background on Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and His Relevance
Rubén Rocha Moya, the current governor of Sinaloa, Mexico, has been at the helm since 2023. As a seasoned politician with deep roots in Sinaloa, Rocha Moya has prioritized the welfare of local communities, particularly those dependent on fishing and aquaculture. His commitment to supporting Sinaloa’s unique marine engine distribution program highlights his dedication to the region’s economic and social stability.
Marine Engine Distribution Program Overview
Sinaloa is the only Mexican state with a marine engine distribution program, which provides 500 motors and corresponding small boats (pangas) annually to riparian and inland fishermen. This program, initiated by Governor Rocha Moya’s predecessor, aims to support local fishermen by enabling them to update their fishing equipment and maintain their livelihood.
Impact of Tariff Increase
The United States recently increased tariffs on marine engines, which are primarily imported from Japan (Honda and Yamaha brands). This tariff hike has led to a significant increase in the cost of these engines, threatening the sustainability of Sinaloa’s marine engine distribution program.
Governor Rocha Moya’s Commitment to the Program
Despite the rising costs, Governor Rocha Moya has pledged to maintain the program at its current volume. He announced that 500 motors and pangas will be delivered in August, just as they were the previous year. Rocha Moya explained that although the budget only covers 300 motors, the state will allocate resources to provide the full 500, along with pangas, to avoid disappointing the fishermen who rely on this program.
Collaboration Efforts
To further bolster Sinaloa’s fishing and aquaculture sectors, Governor Rocha Moya signed two collaboration agreements during the State Fishing and Aquaculture Council meeting.
- CONAPESCA Agreement: The governor signed a collaboration agreement with the National Commission for Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA) to implement specific projects focusing on fish stock assessments, sustainable management practices, inspection and surveillance, training, and responsible fishing promotion.
- IMIPAS Agreement: Rocha Moya also signed an agreement with the Institute for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (IMIPAS) to develop projects centered around fisheries and aquaculture enhancement, including product transformation and conservation, consumer promotion, information and statistics, and quality-of-life improvement initiatives for Sinaloa’s fishermen and aquaculturists.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the marine engine distribution program? It’s a Sinaloa-specific initiative that provides 500 marine engines and small boats annually to riparian and inland fishermen, ensuring they can maintain their livelihood by updating their fishing equipment.
- Why is the program facing challenges? The United States’ increased tariffs on marine engines, primarily imported from Japan (Honda and Yamaha), have significantly raised the costs of these engines, threatening the program’s sustainability.
- What collaboration agreements did Governor Rocha Moya sign? He signed agreements with CONAPESCA and IMIPAS to implement projects aimed at enhancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices, including stock assessments, responsible fishing promotion, training, and quality-of-life improvements for Sinaloa’s fishermen and aquaculturists.
