Politics & Government
Mexico Steps Up U.S. Boat Inspections
Inspections of passenger-carrying sportfishing boats crossing the Mexican-American border now are becoming routine.
The Gallilean out of San Diego made waves Saturday when a fishing trip about 20 miles south of the Mexican-American border was interrupted as the Mexican Navy boarded the ship.
Gallilean Sportfishing representatives wrote about the incident on Facebook:
"Today at South Coronado Island we got boarded by Mexican Navy. It was a routine inspection and also wanted to see passports for passengers/crew. In the choppy weather, their steel boat met up with my wood boat."
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Such inspections now have become routine.
The Mexican Navy boarded The Horizon, Royal Polaris and at least one other vessel at Cedros Island this week where passengers were asked for proof of citizenship.
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A recent Sportfishing Association of California (SAC) newsletter indicated that passports on passenger-carrying sportfishers would only be necessary if they were to venture south of Ensenada.
But Arturo Martinez of the Baja California Norte State Tourism office said that anglers must have a passport to enter Mexican waters—"they are entering Mexican waters or territory and are required to comply with the immigration laws of Mexico," he said.
Martinez added that even anglers on short trips to the Coronado Islands should carry a U.S. Passport.
"It's advisable because they [passengers] are in Mexican waters and it's an official form of identification," he said.
Alex Masumoto, who owns the Rusty Hook Tackle store in San Pedro, posted his thoughts on Facebook:
"It's their country and we have to follow their rules. Everyone should just quit whining and get their passport. I don't feel the Mexican government did a good job of informing us. There should have been a definitive memorandum sent to San Diego Landings with requirements and a start date. Now they are forcing people to ‘expedite’ the process costing hundreds of dollars."
This all comes at a time when Mexico struggles to encourage American tourists to cross the border and spend dollars in its economy. But the bottom line remains: bring a passport if you’re going to fish in Mexican waters.
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