Del Pacifico Seafoods’ newest product, its Mayan Octopus, is caught off the coast of Yucatan, Mexico using small dayboats that fit just one or two fishermen, who use the wind and tide to drift-fish and attract the species with a crab lure on a bamboo pole.
It’s certainly not the most efficient means of catching octopus, according to Del Pacifico Chief Commercial Officer Jennifer Barrett. But the company’s support of the fishery is guided by a philosophy of support for the “human element of fishing,” Barrett told SeafoodSource at the 2023 Seafood Expo North America.
“We’re keeping the respect for the livelihood of the fishery. It’s truly artisanal, and we try at all times to give back to the local fishing communities in Mexico to give them a voice and make sure that that they have everything that they need to operate,” Barrett said.