Merida, Yucatan — Yucatan’s octopus fishing season is set to begin August 1 without an official catch quota for 2026, as the fishing sector awaits publication of the limit by the federal government.
The Mexican Institute for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (IMIPAS) has completed and delivered the corresponding biological study, but authorities have yet to set a catch limit. Last year’s quota was 27,000 metric tons.
Enrique Sánchez Sánchez, president of the National Chamber of the Fishing and Aquaculture Industry (Canainpesca) in Yucatan, estimated that about 70% of the mid-size fleet will take part in this year’s octopus harvest, known locally as the pulpeada.
Sánchez added that preparing a single vessel for the season now costs between 600,000 and 800,000 pesos (approximately $32,000 to $43,000) — a roughly 15% increase over last year, driven largely by higher diesel and input prices.
The state’s Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Secretariat (Sepasy) has been conducting inspections at major fishing ports, including Celestun, where crews checked the channel entrance to ensure safe navigation for boats heading out Friday.
