The Secretary of the Navy, Rafael Ojeda, declared that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has approved Mexico’s proposed vaquita recovery plan. This approval averted potential economic sanctions from the United States.
In San Felipe, B.C., some fishermen exploit the totoaba fish, impacting the vaquita as both species coexist.
With a majority vote supporting Mexico, the CITES Secretary affirmed the viability and effectiveness of the Mexican government’s action plan, resulting in the absence of sanctions. The CITES Secretary also decided to conduct field visits in the Gulf.
“This marks a significant victory for Mexico, emphasizing that the vaquita issue extends beyond our borders. The United States and China, recognized as part of the problem, agreed in this meeting that it is a collective concern involving these three countries,” stated Ojeda.
While assessing social programs led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the Secretary expressed gratitude to fishermen for adhering to the totoaba fishing restriction zone.
The vaquita, caught alongside the totoaba, faces endangerment due to the lucrative trade of the totoaba bladder to China, pushing the species to the edge of extinction.
“We extend our thanks to all fishermen for their trust in the federal government regarding the vaquita issue. Particularly, we appreciate their cooperation, as sanctions would pose significant challenges for the Gulf,” he emphasized.