Yucatán’s New Fishing Sanctuary Aims to Restore Marine Life

Mérida, Mexico — The state of Yucatán is set to establish its fifth federal fishing sanctuary following the publication of a decree by the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) in the Official Journal of the Federation (DOF). The decree establishes the Partial Temporary Fishing Refuge Zone (ZRPPT) of Telchac Puerto for a period of five years.

The measure was initiated at the request of local fishermen, who reported a 71 percent decline in octopus catches between 2018 and 2022, as well as a 50 percent decline in grouper catches between 2012 and 2022. The establishment of the refuge is intended to aid the recovery of both fisheries, on which more than 300 families depend.

The protected area encompasses 7,259 hectares (72.59 km²) off the coast of Telchac, including sandy beaches, the "La Ciénega" lagoon system, oceanic zones, marshes, and low jungle. These are key ecosystems for both the fishing and tourism industries, which are the main economic activities in the area.

Fishing Prohibited, With One Exception

All commercial, sport, recreational, and subsistence fishing activity is prohibited within the ZRPPT, with one single exception: the capture of Octopus maya using a traditional jimba is permitted, but only between August 1 and December 15 of each year, and only if the current fishing ban is respected.

Those who fail to comply with the regulation will face sanctions ranging from fines and confiscations to the suspension of fishing permits, in accordance with the General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture.

With this decree, Telchac Puerto becomes the fifth federal fishing refuge in Yucatán and the third to be established in 2025. The previous refuges are in Celestún (2019), Dzilam de Bravo–San Felipe (2024), and El Cuyo and Chabihau (2025).

Just over 2,000 people reside in Telchac, and 328 fishermen are registered there, including two women. Authorities explained that the restriction will allow marine resources to recover and ensure the continuity of fishing activity in the region.