Describing the fleet of unregulated modified artisanal vessels "lanchones" targeting grouper and associated species on the Campeche Bank

The decline in fishery production has driven technological changes and increased fishing effort, threatening sustainability. On the Campeche Bank, artisanal vessels have been modified to enhance their autonomy and their capacity to catch grouper and associated species. These vessels are converted into "lanchones" through transverse, longitudinal, or combined cuts to extend their overall length and beam, followed by raising the gunwale and molded depth. These vessels are not regulated under Mexican law, and their operational dynamics are unknown. The analysis reveals that their average catch volume is comparable to that of the semi-industrial fleet. Still, their species composition is similar to that of the artisanal fleet, positioning them with an operational profile between both fishing segments. However, they use more hooks than either fleet, amplifying fishing effort. While the selectivity of the fishing gear surpasses the minimum legal catch size for red grouper, factors such as depth and hook size also influence this outcome. Given that the red grouper population is considered overexploited, it is crucial to assess the impact of these vessels and strengthen regulatory measures to ensure the sustainability of both the resource and fishing activities.