Mexico Raises Red Octopus Catch Limit to 32,000 Tons

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRICULTURA), through the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA), reports that an agreement has been published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) increasing the permissible catch volume for red octopus (Octopus maya) during the 2025 fishing season in Campeche and Yucatán. The limit has been raised from 28,000 to 32,000 tons, based on the technical opinion of the Mexican Institute of Research in Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (IMIPAS).

The modification responds to a request from the fishing sector and is supported by the most recent biological-fishery assessments of the resource, aiming to utilize it responsibly under sustainability criteria. The agreement takes effect upon its publication.

The instrument establishes that CONAPESCA must keep fishermen and fisherwomen informed about catch progress through its Regional Offices and the Arrival Notice system, to ensure the authorized volume is not exceeded. Additionally, inspection and surveillance actions will be reinforced to ensure compliance with the minimum size and fishing method regulated by NOM-008-SAG/PESC-2015.

Producers are reminded that fishing activities must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Official Mexican Standard NOM-008-SAG/PESC-2015, Octopus, and the previous agreement published on October 29 of this year.

With this measure, CONAPESCA reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and responsible use of marine resources, making evidence-based decisions to address the requirements of the fishing sector, benefiting their families, those involved in related activities (processing, transportation, marketing, export), and end consumers.