Impact pf the red tide on the fishing communities of Yucatan during the summer of 2022
Learn about our report on the impact the red tide on the fishing communities of Yucatan during the summer of 2022.
In the summer of 2022, the coasts of Yucatan (Mexico) were affected by a red tide, produced by a massive bloom of microalgae. The lack of oxygen generated by this bloom causes the mortality of some fish and invertebrate species, mainly affecting small-scale fisheries.
To contribute to collective efforts to assess the impacts of red tide, Comunidad y Biodiversidad, A. C. (COBI) conducted between September 2nd and 13th, 2022, a consultation process through 91 telephone interviews were conducted with 57 men and 34 women involved in the value network of nine small-scale fisheries in Yucatan. This was a collaborative effort that would not have been possible without the participation of fishing organizations and institutions: MASPESCA, CRIAP-Yucalpetén, Celestún Federation, Cooperative Novelos, Cooperative Cayo Arenas, Universidad Marista and CINVESTAV.
The results indicate that most of the people interviewed experienced a reduction in their catches (86%) and perceived that this phenomenon is more recurrent (98%). The red tide phenomenon that took place this summer was not toxic, so the fisheries did not close, although the activity was reduced due to the initial uncertainty about its impact on health and on the markets. Some people (30%) took preventive measures like saving money and previously landed seafood. Three-quarters mentioned taking adaptative measures such as seeking another economic activity, changing catch areas or fishing for other resources. One quarter of those interviewed mentioned halting all activities.
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