The shrimp industry in Mexico was born in Sinaloa, specifically in the port of Mazatlan, when U.S. and Japanese shrimp fishermen arrived on the Sinaloan coast in the mid-1920’s. Although traditional shrimp fishing for domestic consumption has been practiced for centuries, the arrival of these specialized vessels transformed fishing into an industry. Shortly after, in Teacapan, the first wooden shrimp boat measuring 50 feet was built, and its builder, Mr. Castro, christened it with the name "Jesus." In the 1950’s with an all Mexican industry, three spirited men, Isaac Coppel, Camilo Medrano and Juan Gavica, upon seeing the need and quality of the product, set out to start an export business to the United States in order to share this marvel of Sinaloa with the world. From then on, this industry has grown to offer over forty million pounds in the international markets each year. Ten percent of this amount is provided by the small fishing sector of Sinaloa who do their fishing in outboard motor boats.
With a fleet of over 600 shrimp vessels and 13,000 small boats, wild shrimp production is not only a tradition in Sinaloa, it is a deep and genuine vocation of its people. Besides representing 80% of the domestic production, the best recognition the wild shrimp of Sinaloa can have is that its delicious and intense flavor is recognized and required in professional kitchens and by the most best known cheffs in the United States and other countries around the world to incorporate Sinaloa Mexican Wild Shrimp into their dishes and delicacies.
