Wild Mexican shrimp lovers may be have some disappointment as US authorities have decided to put ban on importing these shrimp in the name of sea-turtle protection. Whether ordering shrimp out or buying it to grill at home, the price could rise sharply because of a decline in overall shrimp supply. Some food- and restaurant-industry sources say the embargo already is driving up shrimp prices.
U.S. and Mexican officials hope to mend their differences and lift the ban by the time its peak season starts, but it’s not clear if they can. In the meantime, owners of some Tucson restaurants that feature shrimp say if the embargo takes effect as planned on April 20, they will have to rely on farmed shrimp, which they consider not as tasty, or stop serving shrimp altogether. Experts believe that this situation arises from the Mexican government’s failure to ensure that its shrimp fishermen are using the proper devices to keep protected sea turtles from getting caught up and dying in the large nets used to catch shrimp.
Commenting on the US government decision the Mexican government issued a statement defending its shrimping practices, and a delegation of Mexican officials traveled to Washington to meet with a top State Department official about the issue. Mexico has invited US officials to do its inspections and clear the business soon.
