CELESTÚN, Yucatán — The start of the octopus fishing season in Celestún has sparked concern among local fishermen, who are facing low catches alongside steep operational expenses, driven largely by high fuel prices.
During the initial days of the season, which runs through December 15, small-scale fishing boats reported landings ranging between 25 and 45 kilograms of octopus per trip, depending on sea conditions and distance offshore.
High fuel costs present a major obstacle for the local fleet. To reach viable fishing grounds, workers must travel up to 10 nautical miles offshore (roughly 18.5 kilometers). Local business owner Gaspar Marín explained that a typical boat consumes 40 to 50 liters of gasoline per outing, costing between 960 and 1,200 pesos, plus an extra 100 pesos for ice.
With buyers paying between 90 and 100 pesos per kilogram, a 25-kilogram catch yields roughly 2,250 pesos in gross revenue, while 45 kilograms brings in up to 4,500 pesos. After deducting essential operational expenses, profit margins remain slim. The financial pressure is even higher for fishermen who do not own their boats or engines, as they often face pay deductions of up to 20 percent.
While community members remain hopeful that catch volumes will improve in the coming weeks, Marín noted that if yields fail to recover, some fishermen may temporarily pivot back to finfish harvesting. Local crews continue to venture out daily, hoping octopus stocks move into closer, more profitable fishing grounds.
TYT Newsroom
