Mérida, Yucatán — The spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fishing season officially began Wednesday, with more than 2,000 fishermen from coastal communities taking part, according to the Yucatán Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Secretariat (Sepasy).
Despite a tropical wave alert, fishermen in about 400 boats from the ports of Río Lagartos, San Felipe, El Cuyo and Las Coloradas took advantage of favorable weather to head out to sea. Most returned to port before 2 p.m. due to weather monitoring, with initial catches ranging from 20 to 30 kilograms per vessel. Those targeting grouper brought in 10 to 20 kg.
Fisherman Gustavo Méndez said good weather doesn’t always coincide with the season opener, so they decided to make the most of the conditions before the tropical wave arrives. Ismael Chan, another fisherman, noted that besides selling part of the catch to cooperatives, many reserve some for family consumption and store fish for days when bad weather prevents them from sailing.
As a tradition among fishing families, a portion of the first catch is shared with loved ones and offered in gratitude to the Creator.
Sepasy head Lila Frías Castillo said the season represents an opportunity to boost the economy of fishing families and stressed the importance of responsible resource use. Last year’s catch was close to 700 tons, and officials hope to match or exceed that figure based on monitoring with research centers.
In Progreso, fisheries director Randyr Castillo said about 30 small boats and 27 larger vessels are working the species, the latter near Isla Alacranes. Martín Montalvo, a blacksmith specializing in fishing equipment, reported strong demand for lobster traps in the weeks before the season, bringing significant income to regional workshops.
With the lifting of the ban that ended June 30, families in Celestún, Progreso, Dzilam de Bravo, El Cuyo and other coastal communities are resuming one of the most important fisheries for the Yucatán coast economy.
