In January a ban begins on shrimp fishing in surface and deep waters of the Pacific Ocean off the Colombian coast. The measure, which was to enter into force on Dec. 1, was postponed by the Colombian Institute of Rural Development, INCODER, at the request of artisanal fisherfolk, who asked for support in replacing their fishing equipment.

María Rodríguez, ecologist with the National University, told Tierramérica the ban was established in October 1993 to protect and control the exploitation of the country's shrimp resources.

Under the ban, it is prohibited to sell shrimp in any of the towns along Colombia's Pacific coast, including hotels, restaurants, and similar outlets, she added.