Common Name
Red Octopus
Scientific Name
Octopus maya
Target Species (1) Red Octopus (Octopus maya), in Spanish Pulpo maya o rojo and (2) Common Octopus (O. vulgaris), in Spanish Pulpo patón o común. Geographical Area - Province of Yucatan
Method of Capture : Red Octopus: Fishing drifting rod with lines containing bait, no hook, this method is known locally as gareteo, Common Octopus: Also employs a fishing rod with lines and bait, in this fishery a hook is used at the line and in Yucatan peninsula the pole and line fishing gear is also used.
Stock(s) - The Red Octopus is an endemic species from Mexico and is a member of the family Octopodidae. Its known distribution is from the waters adjacent to Isla del Carmen in Campeche to Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo. One single stock is exploited based on genetic studies. The Common Octopus has a wide distribution in tropical and subtropical regions in the world. In particular, in Mexico, it is distributed throughout the Gulf of Mexico, it is found from the coastline up to 400 m deep, but it is more abundant below 100 m and its abundance decreases as depth increases. It is exploited in the Yucatan Peninsula and Veracruz. No genetic studies are available that could be used to establish a stock structure.
Fleet(s) Red Octopus: Small-scale and medium-scale fleets with octopus permits fishing and landing in the State of Yucatan, Mexico. Common Octopus: medium-scale fleets with octopus permits fishing and landing in the State of Yucatan, Mexico.
| 39% | 61% |
| 0% |
| Behind | On Track | Complete | Future |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
By August 2026:
Environmental Objectives
1. Establish a data collection system to enable the UoC to monitor the interactions of the octopus fishery with ETP species, aiming to assess and mitigate any negative impacts on these populations. This will contribute to meeting MSC performance indicators related to the conservation of vulnerable species.
2. Evaluate the environmental impact of bait use in the octopus fishery, specifically the sustainability of the three main species used as bait: okol (Ucides cordatus), maxquil (Libinia dubia), and blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). This will facilitate the development of mitigation strategies to reduce pressure on bait species and ensure more sustainable fishing operations.
3. Promote the traditional fishing method known as "gareteo", encouraging the substitution of bait with artificial lures. If this is not feasible, advocate for the legal and regulated purchase of bait, ensuring sustainable fishing practices.
4. Enter MSC fullassessment.
Social Objectives
1. Implement policies and protection mechanisms against abuse, harassment, forced labor, and human trafficking in the fishing organizations of the octopus FIP.
2. Develop and implement safety and medical response protocols in fishing cooperatives and companies.
3. Ensure that all participating organizations have mechanisms for reporting discrimination and promote freedom of association.
4. Coordinate actions to improve access to healthcare services in fishing communities, such as requesting medical services for local health centers.