A recent survey conducted in the Gulf of California has revealed a larger-than-expected population of the world’s most endangered marine mammal: the vaquita marina porpoise. Despite fears over its extinction due to increasing illegal fishing in the gulf, researchers found between 10 and 13 individual vaquitas over a 17-day period in May, indicating a more resilient population. Protective measures, including the deployment of concrete blocks with 3m high hooks designed to entangle gillnets, have helped to reduce the number of boats and fishing nets within the “zero-tolerance area.” This progress has generated optimism among Mexican officials, who hope to safeguard the vaquita marina’s future.
However, the vaquita population’s decline has been a source of tension in US-Mexico relations, and Mexico has faced global sanctions for not doing enough to protect the species. The US Department of the Interior found Mexico’s efforts lacking, potentially triggering a full-scale US embargo on Mexican seafood. Such a move could damage bilateral relations and risk tit-for-tat retaliations, according to experts. The Brookings Institution has recommended strict enforcement on the Mexican side, but also warns against closing the US market to Mexican fish products, which could lead to a vicious cycle of non-compliance. Overall, protecting the vaquita marina is essential, not only to safeguard the species but also to restore Mexico’s most critical trade relationship.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
