Mexico reduces fishing restriction area by 86% to focus on vaquitas’ known habitat
Though it may seem counterintuitive, the reduction in the Gulf's protective zone where gillnet fishing is banned is meant to increase protection of vaquitas by facilitating monitoring, while at the same time helping the local fishing community earn a living. The post Mexico reduces fishing restriction area by 86% to focus on vaquitas’ known habitat appeared first on Mexico News Daily
Mexico has reduced the area where gillnets are prohibited by 86%, focusing conservation efforts on the critically endangered vaquita. The smaller restricted zone in the Upper Gulf of California has been reduced from 11,106 square kilometers to 1,562 square kilometers. The vaquita, the world's smallest porpoise, can grow up to 1.5 meters and weigh 30 to 55 kilograms.
Only seven to ten vaquitas are believed to remain in the area. President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed the change, emphasizing its role in preserving biodiversity while considering the impacts on fishing communities. The Environment and Natural Resources Ministry cited recommendations from the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita, which analyzed sightings and monitoring data over the past two decades.
Gillnet fishing is now prohibited in the smaller zone, while a 225-square-kilometer Zero Tolerance Zone retains a total ban on fishing. A transit channel for small fishing boats with monitoring systems will be authorized. The revised zone aims to improve enforcement efforts.
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