After a period of intense heat forced fishing activity in Yucatán to grind to a halt, heavy rains caused by Tropical Storm Alberto have now dealt a devastating blow to this critical sector of the state’s economy.
Mariano Canul Uicab, President of the Federation of Fishing Cooperative Societies in the Western Central State, reported that coastal and offshore fishermen have been out of commission for over a week due to adverse weather conditions. The combination of high temperatures and rainfall has already resulted in significant economic losses, estimated at 10 million pesos.
The storm’s remnants brought powerful winds and waves reaching as high as three meters to Yucatán, causing further disruptions to the fishing industry. With another low-pressure system expected to bring more rain, ports are likely to remain closed for maritime navigation, exacerbating the sector’s woes.
This week alone, approximately 500 tons of fish were not caught, resulting in a staggering loss of revenue equivalent to 10 million pesos. If the rains persist, the situation could worsen, putting even greater strain on an already struggling industry.
