Algae and Weather Slow Yucatán Lobster Season

Yucatán, Mexico — Two weeks into the lobster fishing season in Yucatán, the activity has progressed slowly due to challenges such as algae proliferation and unfavorable weather conditions. The National Chamber of the Fishing Industry (Canainpesca) reported that these factors have hindered visibility along the eastern coast, disrupting the pace of lobster harvesting.

Low Productivity in Lobster Fishing Due to Algae and Climate

Enrique Sánchez Sánchez, president of Canainpesca Yucatán, stated that lobster is currently priced at approximately 600 pesos per kilogram and is exported to markets including the United States and France.

“We continue to see low lobster catch volumes in both the eastern and western regions. The water has turned dark due to decomposing sargassum, which prevents divers from having clear visibility,” he explained.

Algae and Sargassum Proliferation Affect Visibility Along Yucatán Coast

Sánchez Sánchez noted that this phenomenon is typical at the start of the season, which begins every July 1. While not unusual, it presents a significant challenge for fishermen.

Key Challenges and Data in Lobster Fishing

| Status of the Season | Although the season began slowly, the fishing sector expects improvement in the coming weeks. |
| Profitable Fishing | Yes |
| Fishermen Involved | 2,000 |
| Capture Target | 600 metric tons |
| Price per Kilogram | 600 pesos |

In the western part of Yucatán’s coast, lobster fishing has also shown no signs of recovery, with the exact cause of low productivity remaining unclear. Sánchez Sánchez suggested that overfishing of the species may be a contributing factor.

Capture Volumes and Fishing Sector Expectations

The first assessment of catch volumes is expected next week when fishing vessels return to shore, providing a clearer picture of current yields.

The annual lobster catch target for Yucatán is slightly over 600 metric tons. The sector remains optimistic that conditions will improve to meet this goal.

“We must wait to see how the season progresses. We trust that the trend can reverse, allowing us to reach our targets,” Sánchez Sánchez said.

The fishing industry is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for better conditions in the coming weeks to stabilize production and meet demand in international markets.