The lobster season in Yucatan is going through one of its worst crises in decades, with a 50% drop in production and prices that have not been seen for years.
José Luis Carrillo Galaz, president of the Mexican Confederation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Cooperatives of Yucatan, warned about the serious economic and social impact that this represents for local fishermen.
Carrillo Galaz explained that the decline in lobster catches is not recent but has worsened in the last two or three years due to factors such as illegal fishing and adverse weather conditions: “Although we have implemented community surveillance programs to combat poaching, the situation remains critical.”
In addition, the hurricane and storm season in the region paralyzed fishing activities, further affecting production.
In the southeastern part of Yucatan, the catch has decreased by 50%, with only 600 tons of lobster recorded. While two years ago, a kilo of lobster tail reached 1,100 pesos, it is currently priced at 450 pesos per whole kilo and 280 pesos per live kilo.
Carrillo Galaz warned that, in the coming months, with the ban on species such as lobster, octopus, and grouper in force, fishermen will not be able to access these resources, which will worsen the economic situation.
To protect the lobster during the ban, community committees have been organized in key areas such as Alacranes and the South Northeast of the state.
These groups, with the support of the Navy, the Secretariat of Public Security, and the Police, seek to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent illegal fishing.
TYT Newsroom
