PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), in conjunction with the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp), has released the findings of the Vaquita Observation Cruise 2023. This expedition took place from May 10 to 27 within the Zero Tolerance Zone (ZTC) in the Upper Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta Biosphere Reserve.
According to expert analysis, 61 acoustic detections and 16 sightings of vaquitas were recorded using the “Expert Elicitation” method, injecting newfound optimism into the conservation efforts for this endemic species.
Estimates Indicate 10-13 Individuals Spotted, Including Calves
“There was a 76% probability that the total number of animals sighted, including one to two calves, was between 10 and 13 individuals,” the report stated. This figure represents “the minimum number of vaquitas remaining in the current population”, as the search was conducted in a relatively small area compared to their historical distribution.
Of the 16 sightings, there were three photographic identifications over three consecutive days of the same mother and calf, while five sightings included drone images of vaquitas.
International Collaboration Boosts Conservation Efforts
The expedition saw participation from researchers from Mexico, Canada, and the United States, including experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS). Pritam Singh, director of SSCS, commended the scientific collaboration, especially acknowledging Dr. Barbara Taylor, and reaffirmed Sea Shepherd’s dedication to vaquita conservation.
The expedition also served as a training ground for eight Mexican observers from the community of San Felipe, who successfully spotted specimens from both boats. They are expected to continue their training at the University of Baja California South.
Reduction in Illegal Fishing Increases Vaquita Detection
Owing to a significant decrease in fishing boats and nets, seven groups of vaquitas were tracked for over 30 minutes. The duration of vaquita observation and detection increased considerably compared to previous years.
Maria Luisa Albores González, head of Semarnat, hailed this encouraging news and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of institutions, NGOs, and citizens in conserving this species.
Juan Luis Miraflores Ruiz, Captain of the Frigate, highlighted the installation of 193 concrete blocks that effectively deterred gillnet fishing, resulting in a 79 percent decrease in illegal fishing activities.
Encouraging Numbers for the Future
Humberto Adán Peña Fuentes, head of Conanp, emphasized that the number of detections and sightings in 2023 outstripped those of 2021, increasing from 26 to 61 and 8 to 16, respectively.
“Regarding the pups, between 1 and 2 were detected, in contrast to 1.5 two years ago. Also, the final estimate for this year is between 10 and 13, compared to 8 in 2021,” the report noted.
Conanp will seek to expand the ZTC, installing blocks in areas where vaquitas were sighted, and engage in dialogue with local communities and fishermen. Additionally, as of May 8 this year, underwater mining was banned to protect Mexico’s seas.
Semarnat and Conanp reaffirm their commitment to work for the conservation of the vaquita, the growth of Protected Natural Areas and the Zero Tolerance Zone, meeting the needs of communities while fostering healthy ecosystems.
