The Mexican government should immediately impose regulations on the fishing industry in Baja California Sur state's Gulf of Ulloa to avoid U.S. penalties over the deaths of loggerhead sea turtles and take measures to protect the endangered species, two environmental groups said.

A United States government decision to ban Mexican fish products would have dire economic consequences for Mexico, the Mexican Center for Environmental Law, or CEMDA, and Defenders of Wildlife said in a statement.

"That is why it is essential for the Mexican government to prepare and implement regulations for the fishing industry in the region quickly and effectively," the environmental groups said.

The United States postponed until May certifying Mexico's compliance with agreements to protect sea turtles. Mexico's failure to take action could lead to commercial penalties of at least $400 million due to the high mortality rates among loggerheads in the Gulf of Ulloa.