Between June 5 and November 30, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) registered 1,297 artisanal fishers across various coastal areas. The registration process aimed to bring visibility to individuals involved in this key economic sector.
The registration was managed by staff from the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture Regulations (DIPESCA), part of the Vice Ministry of Agricultural Health and Regulations (VISAR). According to MAGA, "This action allows us to identify their needs and bring institutional services closer to them."
Most participants reported that they focus primarily on commercial activities using equipment such as gillnets and cast nets. Fishing is typically carried out in small boats and canoes. The most commonly caught species include croaker, guabina, tacazonte, and shrimp.
Community participation in the registration included: Champerico with 166 registrants—43 traders, 16 fishing assistants ("alacraneros"), and 107 fishers; Chiquimulilla – Las Lisas with 136 registrants—2 traders and 134 fishers; Tulate with 64 registrants—2 traders and 62 fishers; Monterrico with seven registrants—two traders and five fishers; Las Morenas with 77 registrants—two traders and 75 fishers; Sipacate with 19 registrants—six fishing assistants and thirteen fishers; Livingston in Izabal accounted for the remaining registrations.
“These efforts reaffirm MAGA’s commitment to strengthening and organizing artisanal fishing activity, an essential task for local economies and food security,” according to a statement from MAGA.
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