From Sea to the Table
by Biol. Oscar S. Aranda Mena |
Anyone who has never tried traditional “marlin tacos” (wraps) or a delicious sautéed fish zarandeado doesn’t know Vallarta. But what is there behind these delicious fish? How do they live and where do they live? Few people know little more about them than their delicious flavor and their use in sport fishing, but it is worth learning a little about their secret marine life and the way in which they are caught so they arrive on your table. The Red-Snapper  Starting with its name, Mexicans should be proud that this reddish fish has a Náhuatl name (Huachinango) that is still used by almost anyone who speaks Spanish. It lives in both in the Gulf of Mexico as well as in the Pacific Ocean. Even though there are 100 different species, this is not commonly known because they all share its characteristic flavor. It is incredible how little is known about a fish with the most significant commercial value to Mexico, not knowing many aspects about its diet and reproduction. This takes us to the over-fishing of the species, and many are used to buying “parguitos” (little red-snappers which are also called “pargo”) at less than 30 cm long; young fish fry that have not yet reached their sexual maturity which comes at 2 years of age. Surprisingly they can grow to almost 1 meter in length but unfortunately that is extremely rare. My advice: buy only pargo (red-snappers) that are at least 30 cm. long. That way we can help the species reproduce and rest assured that the fish we eat have left descendants, since during reproduction they can deposit up to 500,000 eggs! The Dorado, Marlin and Sailfish  The Dorado is known to the world of sport fishing as “the perfect prey” because it is a fish of delicious meat that fights to free itself up to the last. Many people describe it as “spectacular”. It is commonly known as “Mahi-Mahi”. This name comes from its Hawaiian name, Mahimahi. It can reach up to 2 meters length and weigh up to 40 kg., but this size is increasingly rare. The same occurs with the Marlin that includes 4 species and can reach up to 5 meters! They can weigh more than 700 Kg. The Sailfish can grow to 3.6 meters and weigh up to 100 kg. All of these fish: Swordfish, Sailfish and Marlin share the characteristic of using their length and pointy snout to attack and daze their prey before eating them, and they have been known to literally skewer their prey, and occasionally other species, by accident. Like the Mahi-Mahi, all are extremely agile and fast fish, hunters of other fish and squid. “Catch and Release” a Sensible Practice In Mexico, Fishing Laws state that Mahi-Mahi, Marlin, Swordfish and Sailfish must be used only for sport fishing and fishers are permitted only 1 catch per fisherman per day, but unfortunately almost no one obeys the law and there is little enforcement. This has resulted in abuses throughout the country and our bay is no exception; where the fishermen will no doubt catch as many Mahi-Mahi as they can, without releasing them back to the sea. This abuse turns the sport fishermen into “poachers”, though we should not generalize. Not all fishers are guilty. The sale and commercialization of these fish is forbidden. Its use is restricted and should be used exclusively for domestic consumption or to be mounting for taxidermy. There are currently restaurants and hotels where these fish are highly requested; therefore there is a thriving black market for the meat of these fish, finally affecting the true sports fishermen and those who depend upon the sport. In order to avoid affecting fish populations, while still allowing a sport fishery, many countries have adopted what is called “catch & release” fishery. As indicated by the name, the fish are released after being caught. In Mexico it is rarely practiced and in tourist destinations like our bay, this intelligent option should be seriously considered. Even though I am not personally a supporter of sport fishing, and I don’t eat fish or sea food, I respect and admire this sport (which is certainly an important source of income for locals who render their services to the tourist industry). I do not however, share the predatory idea of killing everything that is caught. Since the goal of sport fishing is recreation and not a profit-making venture. We must cultivate the idea of freeing and releasing the prey alive, if in reality what is enjoyed is the fight for power and its final capture. This way, you give the fish (and whoever caught them) a new opportunity, which in the long run makes sport fishing more exciting. Both the fish and fishermen must make use of all their experience and ability to be victorious in their encounter. |
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