The octopus fishing ban at Yucatan and Campeche has been moved up by a month. (Photo: Stock File/ FIS)

Octopus prohibition moved up

MEXICO
Friday, October 23, 2009, 02:30 (GMT + 9)

The octopus (Octopus maya) catch ban in Yucatan will move up 30 days. The measure was put forth to avoid over-exploitation of the cephalopod, in view of the high catch rates registered, explained the delegate of the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishery and Food (SAGARPA) reveals.

Initially, it was established that the octopus fishing season was finalised on 15 December, but now it will close a month earlier, on 15 November.

In terms of capture, the present season was positive for the sector dedicated to octopus fishing, the main fishery for the state. According to Escaroz Soler, the 11.5 fixed tonnes fixed as a catch limit for 2009 are expected to be harvested during the first fortnight of November.

So far, Campeche and Yucatan fishers captured almost 10,000 tonnes of octopus, which generated around MXN 350 million (USD 26.8 million).

“In not taking these measures and continuing the exploitation of the species, especially of the octopus maya, the fishing activity of the next few years would be put at risk and [we] would suffer the consequences that Campeche has today,” Escaroz Soler maintained.

After pointing out that “fishing resources are finite” and that the fishing season “was excellent” on this occasion, he insisted on the necessity that fishers collaborate to protect the mollusc and assure its long-term exploitation, El Universal reports.

Meanwhile, the director of the Regional Fishing Research Centre of Yucalpeten, Alvaro Hernandez indicated: “It is necessary to close the fishery once the quota of 11,472 tonnes is reached, as it would be irresponsible to capture the biomass available in this part of the Yucatan Peninsula. Otherwise, the activity of the next years would be affected.”

To date it is estimated that 7,494 tonnes of octopus (Octopus maya) were captured in the coast of Yucatan, and 2,500 tonnes in Campeche.

According to the National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission (CONAPESCA), 2,295,313 kg of octopus maya and 1,836,461 kg of octopus vulgaris were captured just in September.

Related article and information:

- REPORTE DE MERCADO DE SQUID/OCTOPUS MARKET REPORT, 20 October
- Octopus catch limit lifted

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com