Through maritime projects, the Environment Secretariat (Semaren) and the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) will increase the production of totoaba fish in the Northern Gulf of California, which will put a stop to illegal fishing of both totoaba and vaquita.
In an interview with journalists, Natural Resources and Environmental Secretary (Semarnat) Rafael Pacchiano Alamán indicated that 50 million pesos have been allocated to double the production of totoaba fish, as an income option for the surrounding communities, in order to meet the demands of the Chinese market.
Data from the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (Cirva) reveal that the population of this species decreases at a rate of 18 percent per year, and there are currently only 59 specimens left.
If the use of fishing nets is not immediately eliminated, estimates indicate that this species could disappear within the next two years.
Semaren asserted that in these projects there is also a company interested in generating 30,000 tons of totoaba a year to meet the demand of the Chinese market.
Pacchiano Alamán said that the conservation of this fish represents an enormous challenge, but the Mexican government aims to guarantee a habitat free of threat, and thus avoid greater vulnerability.
The program has been evaluated by several international experts. A temporary closure was also erected and alternative fishing gear was developed in the Northern Gulf of California to stop the elimination of the species.
In addition, he added, there is a very ambitious inspection and surveillance system led by the Mexican Navy, with the participation of 15 boats, 180 marines and unmanned ships to protect the totoaba.
