artisanal octopuS fishery yucatan

Octopus grow and reproduce fast and are therefore not highly vulnerable to overfishing. In the nutrient-rich waters along the Yucatan continental shelf, they find ideal habitats with plenty of their favorite prey, various species of crabs and shellfish.

Local fishermen use a smart gear to catch octopus: Attached to a single line, a crab is slowly pulled over the seafloor. Octopus grab the crab and are hauled on deck. Since the bait doesn’t attract egg-carrying females, the octopus population regenerates continuously, and stocks stay healthy.

Upon reaching the fishing grounds, there is no more need for the outboard engine: Fishing for octopus is done by the wind, resulting in a very low carbon footprint and making the Yucatan Octopus a climate-friendly seafood choice!

Blueyou‘s fishery program in Yucatan is building capacities and expertise for improved post-harvest handling of octopus. Landing premium quality, Japanese-grade octopus results in better pricing and up-side value, incentivizing fishermen to adopt better practices.

Despite the safe stock status of the Octopus population and the efforts of compliant fishing cooperatives, there are still challenges with illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing (IUU). Improving surveillance and monitoring is fundamental key for an improved fisheries management.

In line with the required improvement efforts for fisheries surveillance and monitoring, Blueyou is developing and implementing electronic catch documentation and traceability systems as part of the improved fisheries management framework.

Blueyou works with local manufacturing partners to develop finally packed and frozen Octopus products for global export markets. Creating local added value by more processed, market-ready products, is key for the continuous financing of the fishery’s improvement and surveillance efforts.

To recognize the Octopus caught by artisanal fishing communities, Blueyou runs a Fair Trade program with participating cooperatives. Through Fair Trade, the communities are strengthened in their position and receive premiums to support local development projects.

The artisanal Octopus fishermen of Yucatan can be proud of their achievement: They are running a sustainable food harvesting system in balance with nature and our planet. Blueyou’s Fair Trade program will further strengthen their role in being active custodians of the ocean!