Rise and decline of the sea cucumber fishery in Campeche Bank, Mexico

The present work is the result of an extensive review related to the biological, fishing and management history of the sea cucumber fishery in the region known as Campeche Bank. It also examines the problems associated with its fishing, and the alternatives for sustainable use and its restoration. The following two periods of development of the sea cucumber fishery were analysed: (1) promotion fishing (2000-2012) and (2) commercial fishing (2013-2018). The promotion fishing period was characterised by operating without precautionary management measures and by concentrating unsustainable effort on the north and west coast of the Campeche Bank, which caused possible negative ecological effects. During the commercial fishing period, illegal catches were difficult aspect to control, the management measures developed were not respected and social conflicts worsened. In addition to the fishing record, the review offers basic biological information for the fisheries management of Isostichopus badionotus and unpublished material of sea cucumber seizures in the region. It is considered that the contributions of this review justify the need to develop new commercial, exploitation and restoration strategies for the sea cucumber fishery in the Campeche Bank, Mexico.