Riviera Maya, Q.R. — The Mayan octopus has been added to the banned fishing list for the state of Quintana Roo. Fishing for the species will be closed from December 16, 2024 to July 31, 2025.
Jorge Aguilar Osorio, the head of the Secretariat of Agricultural, Rural and Fisheries Development (SEDARPE), says the ban is to preserve, care for and strengthen the reproduction of the Mayan Octopus.
He explained that the Mayan Octopus obtained the Geographical Indication of Protection of the Yucatan Peninsula on August 23, 2024. The Mayan octopus , also known as the Mayan red octopus, is an endemic species exclusive to the Yucatan Peninsula.
It is only captured on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula using the fishing method known as gareteo, which encourages a highly selective, sustainable and sustainable capture, protecting the females that are caring for their young.
“On December 16, 2024, the ban on the Mayan Octopus, which is captured mainly in Holbox, Chiquila and Isla Mujeres, comes into effect. It is an important species because it has the Geographical Indication of Protection since it is endemic to the region and is mainly exported to Europe,” said Aguilar Osorio.
He explained that the ban lasts seven and a half months from December 16, 2024 to July 31, 2025, the period in which capture is prohibited. The ban is to preserve this endemic species and thus ensure that fishermen of Quintana Roo continue with the sustainable practice that characterizes the achievement of the Geographical Indication of Protection.
According to the Government of Mexico, each year, approximately 20 tons of Mayan octopus is fished from Yucatan Peninsula waters. Last month, National Fisheries announced the updated ban on local fishing species for Quintana Roo.
