Vaquita Marina Protection Efforts in the Upper Gulf of California, Digi Mart USA News (Upper Gulf of California, Mexico): The Government of Mexico has removed more than 68,000 meters of illegal gillnets since 2023 and carried out more than 7,000 inspections to protect the vaquita marina in the Upper Gulf of California. The strategy combines surveillance, fishing regulation and community development projects in Baja California and Sonora.
The actions are led by the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), the Federal Attorney General for Environmental Protection (Profepa) and the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (Conapesca), with support from federal agencies and civil organizations.
Among the main measures is a ban on gillnets in restricted zones, satellite surveillance of vessels and an absolute prohibition on fishing in the Zero Tolerance Zone. More than 400 concrete blocks fitted with hooks have also been placed to prevent the installation of illegal nets.
During 2026, more than 10,000 meters of these nets have been removed and more than 800 vessel inspections have been carried out.
Authorities are also combating illegal trafficking of totoaba. Through Operation Victoria I, controls were reinforced at 10 international airports, and 832 public servants received training to identify totoaba swim bladders.
As a result of investigations, 20 people have received criminal convictions. One of the most recent sentences, handed down in October 2026, imposed four years in prison on an international trafficker and payment of 19,017,597 pesos for environmental damage.
The strategy also contemplates gradually replacing traditional fishing gear with sustainable alternatives, along with improvements to infrastructure, marketing and productive opportunities. Community development plans have begun in San Felipe and Golfo de Santa Clara to diversify the economy, strengthen public services and reduce dependence on fishing alone.
Mexico aims for protecting the vaquita marina to also represent an opportunity for the well-being of families living in the Upper Gulf of California.
