Sanctions for Boaters Who Violate Mexico's Immigration and Fishing Regulations Sandra Dibble - U-T San Diego
go to original July 25, 2015

Mexico's Coronado Islands have long been popular with San Diego sportfishermen. (John Gastaldo/The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Without a fence to mark the international boundary, crossing by boat from San Diego into Mexico might seem deceptively easy. But sportfishermen and others drawn to the waters off Baja California’s coast should take heed: Mexico’s federal government has been stepping up inspections, checking for passports, tourist permits, fishing permits and other documents.

Until now, violators have been issued warnings, and told to turn around. But this week, the Mexican government announced its intention of cracking down. That could mean boats being towed to Ensenada for an administrative process, and immediate deportation of the crew and passengers.

While violators won't face charges, “it will be an inconvenience,” said Remedios Gómez Arnau, head of the Mexican Consulate in San Diego.

The warning is being issued through Mexican consulates across California, and as far as western Canada and Arizona, and states that the “Mexican Navy and immigration authorities are strengthening their presence in Mexican waters.”

According to Mexico’s federal government, some 40,000 to 50,000 foreign boats cross into Mexico each year, many for fishing but others for other activities such as racing, or cruising.

Read the rest at U-T San Diego

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