Fishing is a very important activity and contributes significantly to the national economic environment. Fishing is also an important food source for the Mexican population. Likewise, there are major input suppliers to the fishing industry that also generate economic growth. The fishing industry contributes significantly to foreign currency due to the high commercial value of product sales. At the fishing community level, fishing activities have become a fundamental income element for major population groups, as well as driving regional economic development.

Mexico has about 11 500 km of shoreline, a 3 million square km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and over 2.9 million hectares of inland waters, including 1.6 million lagoons. It also is privileged in its natural endowment due to the surrounding oceanographic phenomena that enhance biodiversity, both in the sea and inland waters.