Sargassum Threatens Yucatán’s Octopus Fishing Season

Yucatán, Mexico — The proliferation of sargassum seaweed along Yucatán’s coastline may have contributed to a slow start to the octopus fishing season, according to Geovanna Campos, Secretary of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation for the state. While historically more prevalent in other Mexican Caribbean states, the algae’s growing presence in Yucatán is now directly impacting key economic sectors, including fisheries.

Economic and Ecological Concerns

Though official figures have not yet been released, local stakeholders have reported disruptions to coastal activities and reduced fishing yields. Campos emphasized that the state government is actively pursuing long-term solutions, with over 15 ongoing research initiatives dedicated to studying sargassum’s ecological effects and potential commercial applications.

Key institutions involved include the Instituto Tecnológico del Software and the Sistema de Investigación, Innovación y Desarrollo Tecnológico del Estado (SIIDETEY), which have supported student-led projects leveraging scientific and technological approaches. The Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY) and other academic centers have also contributed innovative proposals.

Regional Mitigation Efforts

As part of a broader strategy, federal authorities are advancing plans to establish a sargassum biorefinery in the region. The facility aims to mitigate the algae’s environmental impact while creating economic opportunities through its transformation into usable products.

The state’s response underscores the urgency of addressing sargassum’s dual threat to ecosystems and livelihoods, particularly for coastal communities reliant on fisheries like the octopus trade. Further updates are expected as research progresses and mitigation measures are implemented.