Yucatán Fishermen Get Safety Gear for Octopus Season

Yucatán, Mexico — The Yucatán State Government is distributing over 3,000 communication devices and 13,000 life jackets to coastal fishermen ahead of the upcoming octopus fishing season. The initiative, part of the Safety at Sea program, aims to enhance maritime safety before the harvest begins on August 1.

Equipment Distribution and Training

Lila Frías Castillo, head of the Secretariat of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (Sepasy), confirmed that deliveries will commence on June 16 across 15 ports in the state. The supplies include radios with antennas and bases, as well as personal life jackets.

Frías Castillo emphasized that training will accompany the distribution to ensure proper use of the equipment. "It's not enough to simply hand out the radios; we want fishermen to know how to use them effectively in emergencies," she stated. Suppliers will provide technical instruction to recipients.

The program is a collaborative effort involving the Mexican Navy and Harbor Masters, who will assist in implementing safety protocols and training for fishing communities.

Shared Responsibility for Safety

The official stressed that maritime safety is a collective obligation. "Safety at sea is not just the fisherman's responsibility—it involves business owners, families, authorities, and the entire production chain," Frías Castillo said. "We aim to dispel the notion that fishermen neglect their own safety. With this program, they now have the tools and knowledge. Everyone must contribute."

The initiative seeks to prevent accidents during the peak fishing season, which centers on octopus, a key product of Yucatán's coastal economy.

Additional Measures and Inclusivity Efforts

Frías Castillo confirmed that the fishing census has been completed, though some pending cases remain. "We will return to address these after the main distribution. No eligible fisherman will be excluded, as per Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena's directive," she assured.

Beyond safety measures, Sepasy plans to launch a call for aquaculture farm projects in July, offering funding for cooperatives and social groups. The agency also highlighted increased female participation in programs like Respect the Ban, where women now comprise four percent of beneficiaries.

"We are committed to expanding opportunities for women in fishing and aquaculture. Talent and dedication exist, and our programs are inclusive," Frías Castillo added.

Ongoing initiatives, such as the Marine Engine Program and the Aquaculture Promotion Program, continue to support sustainable growth and social equity in the sector.