| Montreal, 25/06/2003 – The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) has released a factual record on allegations that Mexico did not effectively enforce its environmental law when a shrimp farm in the state of Nayarit destroyed mangrove forests and filled wetlands.
The factual record reveals that the Aquanova-operated Boca Cegada shrimp farm obtained prior permission to introduce a blue shrimp strain, conduct semi-intensive culture and commercially use two shrimp species. However, the report reveals that Aquanova changed forestland use in violation of Mexico's environmental impact law and the conditions of the project authorization.
Forty-two hectares (ha) of mangrove forest were destroyed, uprooting 250 coconut palms and filling wetlands. According to the submitter, Grupo Ecológico "Manglar," this caused severe damage to wetlands, water quality, fisheries and the habitat of a number of protected species.
Semarnat officials conducted several inspection visits, issuing two sanctions and five orders. Although Aquanova caused severe harm to 50 ha of mangrove forest in the Los Olotes and La Diabla creeks by obstructing the Los Olotes creek, with prior authorization, the factual record reaches no conclusion as to whether Mexico failed to effectively enforce its environmental law. Facts are presented regarding enforcement of these laws by Mexico and related actions by Aquanova.
Finally, the factual record reveals that Aquanova took part in an effort of cooperation between the various sectors of society in San Blas, including Grupo Manglar, which made it possible to overcome an initially hostile situation concerning the environmental impact of its operations.
This is the fifth factual record prepared by the CEC Secretariat and the third involving environmental enforcement by Mexico. Factual records provide information that may assist submitters, a NAFTA country, and other interested members of the public in taking any action they deem appropriate in regard to the matters addressed.
The CEC was established by the governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States to address regional environmental concerns, help prevent potential trade and environmental conflicts, and promote the effective enforcement of environmental law.
Please visit the Citizen Submission on Enforcement Matters page for more information.
For media-related inquires, please contact Spencer Tripp at (514) 350-4331.
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