Sea snails play an essential role on the Mexican coasts, not only as a gastronomic and economic resource, but also as part of the cultural heritage of various indigenous peoples. However, currently, The pressure from its excessive exploitation and the lack of effective monitoring endanger both marine species and irreplaceable ancestral knowledge.
In communities like Pinotepa de Don Luis (Oaxaca), the purple snail is key to the Mixtec identity, used for generations to make natural dyes of exceptional hues. The process of extracting the ink, known as "milking", allows the pigment to be obtained without killing the animal., a method that demonstrates the sophistication and respect for this traditional knowledge, today only preserved by a small group of local dyers.
A heritage on the brink of collapse
The history of sea snails in Mexico It is also the chronicle of a fragile balanceThe arrival of foreign companies in the 1980s, interested in exploiting the purple snail's dye, dramatically altered the populations of these mollusks. Industrial exploitation and unsustainable harvesting led to a decline in adult specimens, affecting the survival of the species and the continuation of the dyeing tradition.
Currently, the decline in snail populations is also due to illegal practices., such as illegal marketing for cocktails and looting by unauthorized individuals. Despite official protection, surveillance is lacking and many captures go unpunished, particularly affecting reproductive-sized snails and, consequently, the future viability of the resource.
The difficult reconciliation between tradition and conservation
Another relevant case is that of the little goat (Melongena corona bispinosa), a sea snail typical of Yucatecan cuisine. Its demand as a local delicacy has led to its overfishing., to the point of being protected by a permanent ban since 1995. However, the ban is not always respected and it is still marketed in some coastal communities, where It represents a source of income and keeps traditional culinary practices alive..
Currently, only authorized cooperatives can collect goats under strict regulations, such as respect for the minimum size and manual harvestingThe conflict between legal persecution and local subsistence illustrates the complexity of conserving species without completely undermining traditional practices and the community economy.
The invisible danger: poisonous sea snails
Not all species of sea snail are related only to culture and economy. Some, like the cone snail, pose a significant health hazard.This snail, found along the Pacific coast from Baja California to Chiapas, is known for its intense colors and potent venom, capable of causing fatal incidents in a matter of minutes.
According to specialists, Bathers and fishermen should take extreme caution in rocky areas, where these snails may be hidden in their shells. Although the cone snail doesn't actively attack humans, it can sting if someone touches its shell or accidentally steps on it. Children, especially, are more vulnerable to its toxins..
The need for surveillance and education
In response to these challenges, dyers and scientists have promoted awareness campaigns, both to curb snail plundering and to raise awareness about the health risks and cultural importance of these species. Collaboration between indigenous communities and experts is essential to document biological cycles, reproductive periods and best sustainable management practices.
On beaches like those in Huatulco and Yucatán, the presence of "stone pickers" who collect all kinds of mollusks without control has worsened the problem. Monitoring, environmental education, and the involvement of authorities continue to be insufficient to effectively protect sea snails. For additional reference, you can consult the document on current challenges in marine biodiversity to better understand the challenges faced.
An uncertain but hopeful future
The persistence of traditional practices, the fight for legal protection, and the joint efforts of dyers, biologists, and authorities represent the last line of defense for sea snails in Mexico. Although the threat of extinction persists, especially for ancestral life forms associated with the purple conch and other species, the trend can still be reversed through participatory management, education, and increased surveillance.
The future of sea snails will largely depend on the actions taken on Mexico's coasts, where culture, economy, and the environment must coexist in a sustainable and respectful manner.
