Yucatán Grouper Fishing Off to a Slow Start This Season

Yucatán, Mexico — Nearly a month and a half after the start of the grouper fishing season, the National Chamber of Fishing and Aquaculture Industries in Yucatán (Canainpesca) reported irregular activity in the region’s fisheries. Despite the slow start, officials remain optimistic about meeting this year’s projected catch of approximately 5,000 metric tons—a slight increase from last year’s 4,800 metric tons.

Uneven Catches Along the Coast

Enrique Sánchez Sánchez, president of Canainpesca in Yucatán, stated that fishing vessels have returned with varying yields, ranging from 1,500 to 1,800 kilograms per trip. Some boats, however, have reported catches as low as one metric ton or as high as three metric tons, depending on external factors.

Sánchez noted that fishing activity has been particularly sluggish along the coastal zone, stretching from Celestún to Río Lagartos and El Cuyo, where no significant catches have been reported so far this season. He attributed the decline to possible environmental factors, including strong southerly winds (surada) and unusually high sea temperatures.

Preparing for Hurricane Season

With the Atlantic hurricane season set to begin on June 1 and last through November 30, Sánchez emphasized the need for fishing cooperatives and vessels to prepare for potential disruptions. He called for coordinated support and advisory programs involving federal, state, and local governments to mitigate risks posed by tropical cyclones.

While the winter storm season has officially ended, Sánchez warned that hurricanes could further destabilize the industry by forcing prolonged inactivity whenever a storm threatens the region.

Annual Targets and Future Fisheries

Though no official quota has been set for this year, Sánchez acknowledged that recent annual catches have hovered between 4,800 and 5,000 metric tons.

“We could say this year’s goal is to reach 5,000 metric tons,” he said. “The coastal area is crucial for scale fish production, but yields there have been minimal. We’re investigating the reasons behind this.”

He expressed concern over the delayed normalization of fishing activity compared to previous years but urged patience, given the season is still in its early stages.

Looking ahead, Sánchez confirmed that the lobster fishing season will begin on July 1, followed by octopus fishing on August 1. He stressed the importance of readiness for these upcoming seasons to ensure stable production.