The fishing restriction for the Maya Octopus is in effect from December 16 until July 31, 2025
The annual veda on aims to conserve, nurture, and enhance the species’ reproduction. During this time is it illegal to hunt or catch octupus in the water surrounding the coasts of Quintana Roo and the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula. The fishing restriction on octopus was first put into effect in 1984 to protect the native species, Octopus Maya and Octopus Vulgaris.
Jorge Aguilar Osorio, the head of the Secretariat of Agricultural, Rural and Fishing Development (SEDARPE), announced the dates of the ban. In Quintana Roo, the prohibition primarily affects the members of the fishing cooperatives in areas such as Hol-Box, Chiquilá, and Isla Mujeres although octopus is hunted all up and down the Riviera Maya and the Costa Maya to a certain degree. The Maya Octopus is a critical species with a Protected Geographical Indication, endemic to the region, and is mainly exported to Europe.
The veda will last for seven and a half months, until July 31, 2025. The aim is to preserve this unique regional species, ensuring that the fishing coorperatives of Quintana Roo and Yucatan can continue their sustainable and eco-friendly practices for generations to come. This approach aligns with the goals of the Protected Geographical Indication announces in August of this year.
Mayan Octopus Awarded Protected Geographical Indication, a First for Mexican Fisheries
On August 23, 2024, the Mayan octopus, was awarded the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) designation, making it the first fishery in Mexico to receive this recognition. The PGI status, announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and published by the Mexican Institute of Intellectual Property (IMPI), ensures the sustainable harvesting of the species and protects its cultural and economic significance. This designation helps ensure the species’ safety and traceability for export, primarily to Europe.
What the PGI Designation Means
The PGI designation confines the capture and commercialization of the Mayan octopus to the states of Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Campeche. It also requires adherence to sustainable fishing practices and traditional techniques, reinforcing the region’s connection to this important resource. The regulation safeguards not only the species but also the artisanal fishing methods passed down through generations of local fishermen.
The designation also places the Mayan octopus alongside other Mexican products with protected status, such as Oaxaca’s alebrijes and Sayula’s cajeta. These protections aim to preserve traditional practices while promoting economic growth and international recognition.
Sustainable Practices in Action
Fishing methods for the Mayan octopus must comply with strict environmental guidelines. Drift fishing techniques, such as gareteo and campechano, minimize environmental impact and ensure sustainable harvests. These methods rely on wind and tidal currents to guide small fishing vessels, avoiding heavy machinery and reducing the carbon footprint. Juvenile octopuses and females caring for eggs are released back into the ocean, preserving future populations.
The seasonal fishing bans, size limits, and careful management of fishing zones are part of a broader commitment to sustainable practices. The designated fishing area, stretching along the coasts of Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo, supports a thriving marine ecosystem crucial to the species’ survival.
Economic and Culinary Impact
The Mayan octopus is a staple of Yucatecan cuisine and a key export to Europe and Asia, where its quality is highly valued. Despite challenges such as illegal fishing and market fluctuations, the 2023 catch reached 93% of the targeted 21,392 tons, demonstrating the resilience of both the species and the local fishery.
The PGI status is expected to boost the economic stability of fishing communities, promote traditional fishing practices, and enhance the octopus’s reputation as a premium product in international markets.
A Future Built on Sustainability
The PGI designation represents years of effort by local authorities and fishers to protect the Mayan octopus. The IMPI will monitor compliance to ensure the species and its habitat remain protected. This initiative sets a precedent for other fisheries in Mexico, balancing ecological preservation with economic development.
Its protection ensures that future generations can continue to benefit from the rich marine biodiversity of the Yucatan Peninsula.
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