Why Is Totoaba Fishing Banned in Mexico? Reasons and Consequences

Conservation in Mexico: Why Totoaba Fishing Is Prohibited

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Published in 03-21-2025

The totoaba is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is also protected under Mexican legislation, such as NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, which lists it as an endangered species. Its population has declined dramatically since the mid-20th century due to overfishing and other anthropogenic factors.

The totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) is an endemic fish of the Gulf of California that has experienced a drastic population decline, leading to a complete ban on its fishing in Mexico. This article explores the reasons behind this measure, its impact on the ecosystem, and the conservation efforts to protect this key species for the planet's balance.

Critical Endangerment: The totoaba is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is listed in Mexico under NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 as an endangered species. Since the 20th century, its population has collapsed due to overfishing. Between 1920 and 1970, up to 2,000 tons were caught annually, primarily for its swim bladder, known as "buche," which was exported to Asian markets. By 1975, catches dropped to less than 300 tons, showing an unsustainable decline. Additionally, its slow reproductive rate, starting at 6-8 years, did not allow the species to recover from this pressure.

Impact on the Ecosystem and the Vaquita Marina: Illegal totoaba fishing has a devastating effect on the Gulf of California, particularly on the vaquita marina, the world?s smallest cetacean, also critically endangered. The gillnets used to catch totoaba accidentally trap vaquitas, causing their death by asphyxiation. It is estimated that fewer than 10 vaquitas remain as of 2023, with totoaba fishing being the primary cause of this crisis. Moreover, the totoaba regulates populations of crustaceans and small fish, so its decline disrupts the ecological balance of the Gulf, affecting other species that depend on these prey.

Totoaba in Mexico: The Story of a Banned Illegal Fishery

Illegal Trafficking of the Swim Bladder: The totoaba?s swim bladder, nicknamed the "cocaine of the sea," is highly coveted in the Asian black market, where it is attributed medicinal properties without scientific evidence. A single swim bladder can fetch up to 100,000 dollars, incentivizing illegal fishing, often controlled by organized crime cartels. This trade not only threatens the totoaba but also impacts legal fishing communities in the Gulf, who face restrictions and loss of income due to conservation measures.

Habitat Degradation: The totoaba?s natural habitat, particularly the Colorado River Delta, has been severely affected by human activities. The construction of dams like the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River has drastically reduced freshwater flow into the Gulf, altering the estuarine conditions essential for totoaba reproduction. Juveniles rely on shallow, brackish waters to grow, but these conditions have disappeared. Additionally, pollution and climate change have altered the Gulf?s temperature and salinity, affecting the species? survival.

Legal and Conservation Measures: Mexico has implemented strict measures to protect the totoaba. In 1975, its fishing was banned by presidential decree, and any capture or trade is illegal. The totoaba is listed under Appendix I of CITES, prohibiting its international trade. In 1993, the Upper Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta were declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and in 2015, gillnets were banned in the area. There are also aquaculture programs, such as those at the Center for Reproduction of Endangered Marine Species in Ensenada, which breed totoaba in captivity for release into their habitat. Organizations like Sea Shepherd patrol the Gulf to remove illegal nets and combat poaching.

International Efforts and Sanctions: The illegal totoaba trade has led to international tensions. In 2023, the United States threatened to impose trade sanctions on Mexico under the Marine Mammal Protection Act if stronger measures were not taken to protect the vaquita and stop illegal totoaba fishing. This could include restrictions on Mexican seafood exports, highlighting the global importance of conserving this species.

Conclusion: The ban on totoaba fishing in Mexico is a crucial effort to save a critically endangered species and protect the Gulf of California?s ecosystem. Overfishing, illegal trafficking, bycatch, and habitat degradation have brought this species to the brink of extinction, but conservation measures and international cooperation offer hope. Protecting the totoaba not only preserves an iconic species but also safeguards the planet?s biodiversity for future generations.