While the Sea of Cortez is a magnificent resource, it is not an infinite resource.  The Islands of San Carlos Project is the product of two years of hard work by a group of people dedicated to insuring that the islands and waters surrounding San Carlos are protected and preserved for all to enjoy--today and for generations to come.

The project has been integrated with Espacios Naturales y Desarrollos Sustentables A.C.  Espacios Naturales is a large well funded non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of Mexico's marine and terrestrial environments through sustainable development.

The ultimate goal of the Islands of San Carlos Project is to have the islands and waters from Haystack Island to the south and San Pedro Point to the north set aside as a marine preserve.  This goal will take time, patience and money to accomplish.

A more immediate goal is to educate visitors and local fisherman alike about the laws governing commercial and sport fishing in Mexico.  The objective is to eliminate illegal commercial fishing, illegal and unethical sport fishing and illegal molestation of protected islands and shores in the area.  This will help to insure larger fish and wildlife populations in the area.

How can you help?  Through your tax deductible contribution, the Islands of San Carlos Project will maintain a patrol boat in the waters around San Carlos, pay the salary for a deputized PROFEPA (fish and game officer) to enforce fishing laws, continue the educational portion of the project and pursue the goal of a marine preserve. 

The board of directors of the Islands of San Carlos Project requests a minimum donation of $10 per person annually.  For your donation you will receive an embossed disc for your key ring or B.C. and a tax-deductible receipt.

For more information, please visit any of the following locations:
In Tucson:  Desert Divers
In San Carlos:  Sonoran Sport Center, El Mar Diving Center, Marina San Carlos and Ocean Sports Scuba Center

Your contribution can also be mailed to Desert Divers Scuba Center, 4837 N. 1st Ave., Tucson, AZ 85718.  Please make your check payable to Desert Divers and add a memo for Islands of San Carlos Project.  Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mailing your receipt and tags. 

Please help us preserve the San Carlos we all enjoy for all of us and for future generations.

Mexican Sport Fishing Regulations

Before fishing in Mexican waters anyone over 16 must have a valid Mexican Sport Fishing License. This license covers all types of fishing and is valid anywhere in Mexico. These licenses may be purchased a day, week, month or year. Aboard private boats in Mexican waters everyone must have a fishing license if there is any fishing gear, fish, or fish parts on board. The boat operators normally provide licenses for people fishing on charter sport fishing boats, but check before you go out on the boat. A fishing license is also required for underwater fishing. If you bring your own boat to fish with, you will need both a permit for the boat itself and individual fishing licenses. The Federal Sport Fishing office (Oficinas de Pesca) for these is on the right after you pass the entrance to the Marina Seca Dry Storage boat yard. Hours are 0830-1500 M-F. Ph: 011-52-622-6-1144.

Each fisherman is permitted to catch up to ten (10) fish per day, with no more than five (5) fish of any one species. In addition, anglers are subject to the following limits:

No more than one (1) full-grown Marlin
No more than two (2) Tarpon, Halibut, Dorado, or Sailfish

Fish must be taken by angling with a hand-held line or a line attached to a rod, except when skin or scuba diving. No nets (except handling nets) traps, poisons, or explosives may be used. Skin and scuba divers may only fish with hand-held spears or band-powered spear guns. It is illegal to sell, trade, or exchange the fish caught. Fish should not be cleaned on board at sea but should be brought to fish cleaning stations in the marinas. Fish can be eviscerated and filleted, but a patch of skin must be left to permit identification.

The taking of abalone, lobster, shrimp, clams, cabrilla, totuava, oysters, and sea turtles is prohibited.  Purchases of these species may be made at designated public markets or fishing cooperatives and require a special permit from the Sport Fishing Office.

Note: Sea turtles are protected under US law and may not be brought into the US.

Be prepared to show a Mexican fishing license to US Customs if bringing fish back into the United States.

 

Practice Catch & Release!!