**U.S. Takes Action Against Gulf Cartel Associates for Illegal Fishing and Other Crimes**
The United States Department of the Treasury, through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), imposed sanctions on November 26, 2024, targeting five Mexican individuals linked to the Gulf Cartel. This notorious organization, described as one of Mexico’s most dangerous criminal groups, has been implicated in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, human trafficking, and drug trafficking activities in the Gulf of Mexico.
According to OFAC, IUU fishing often involves criminal activities, forced labor, and human rights abuses, serving as a significant income source for criminal organizations. It poses a threat to U.S. maritime security as criminal groups may use the same vessels for smuggling drugs and people across borders. Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, commented that “Today’s action highlights how transnational criminal organizations like the Gulf Cartel rely on a range of illegal schemes, including IUU fishing, to fund their operations, along with drug and human trafficking.”
The sanctions are part of a whole-of-government approach to dismantle these networks and limit the capacity of such groups to profit from these activities. OFAC emphasized the collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration in this matter. The actions were closely coordinated with Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit.
The Gulf Cartel, known for its long-standing narcotics trafficking and operations throughout Tamaulipas, Mexico, has previously been designated under Executive Order 14059 and the Kingpin Act for its significant contributions to the international drug trade. It engages in the illegal trade of red snapper and sharks, using small, fast boats called “lanchas” to fish illegally in U.S. waters and smuggle drugs and migrants.
Key figures sanctioned include Ismael “Mayelo” Guerra Salinas and his brother Omar “Samorano” Guerra Salinas, who oversee operations in Playa Bagdad, from drug trafficking to IUU fishing. Others include Francisco Javier “El Borrado” Sierra Angulo, Raúl “La Burra” Decuir GarcÃa, and Ildelfonso “El Chivo” Carrillo Sapien, who own boat camps facilitating these illicit activities on behalf of the Gulf Cartel.
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**Secondary Article: Rising Trends of Illegal Fishing and Its Impacts**
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a significant global issue affecting marine ecosystems and sustainable fisheries. It is estimated that IUU fishing accounts for up to 26 million tons of fish annually, valued at $10-23 billion. Its impacts are especially severe in regions like the Gulf of Mexico, where organized crime groups exploit marine resources to fund other illicit operations.
Globally, IUU fishing undermines sustainable fisheries management and depletes fish stocks, affecting food security and economic stability for communities reliant on fisheries. Beyond environmental concerns, IUU fishing is often associated with other illegal activities, such as drug and human trafficking, highlighting the need for comprehensive international cooperation to tackle these interconnected issues.
Efforts are being made worldwide to strengthen enforcement measures and increase collaboration among countries to combat IUU fishing. Initiatives like the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) seek to deny port access to vessels engaged in IUU fishing activities, enhancing monitoring and compliance.
As seen with the recent sanctions against the Gulf Cartel, tackling IUU fishing requires a multi-agency approach that addresses its environmental, economic, and security dimensions. Continued attention and resources are essential to dismantle these illegal networks and preserve the integrity of marine ecosystems and coastal economies.