Between Mexico’s mainland and the Baja California Peninsula lies the Gulf of California, a mystical frontier of splendid coastlines and turquoise waters. But overfishing, pollution and climate change are all posing serious threats to the region's unique biodiversity.
Gulf of California
20-legged, coral-eating star fish. Possibly an endangered species. Gulf of California Mexico
The world's aquarium
Wedged between the mainland of Mexico to the east and the Baja Peninsula to the west is the Gulf of California.
Described by French ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau as the world's aquarium, the gulf supports an extraordinary diversity of marine life, which includes endangered marine turtles and dolphins, coral reefs and over 900 different fish species.
The waters are also an important breeding area for the world's largest animal, the blue whale, and other whales such as fin, sperm, orca and humpback.
WWF is working to find a careful balance between meeting the needs of the local people and maintaining a healthy ecosystem in Mexico’s Gulf of California through 3 priority areas:
Described by French ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau as the world's aquarium, the gulf supports an extraordinary diversity of marine life, which includes endangered marine turtles and dolphins, coral reefs and over 900 different fish species.
The waters are also an important breeding area for the world's largest animal, the blue whale, and other whales such as fin, sperm, orca and humpback.
Safeguarding the gulf
But pressures from unsustainable tourism, development and commercial fishing are threatening the wildlife and the way of life for millions of people who depend on the sea for their livelihoods.WWF is working to find a careful balance between meeting the needs of the local people and maintaining a healthy ecosystem in Mexico’s Gulf of California through 3 priority areas:
- creating a network of marine protected areas
- promoting sustainable fisheries
- encouraging sustainable coastal development and tourism
Map of the Gulf of California area covered by WWF's work. Dots represent project sites (2009).
Protection with a porpoise
Only 100-300 vaquita porpoises are believed to exist in the wild.
Found only in Mexico's Gulf of California, the vaquita is the world's smallest and most endangered porpoise.
Habitat loss and getting caught in fishing nets are major threats to the vaquita and other marine species, such as marine turtles and sharks.
To protect this species from extinction, WWF has succeeded in pushing for the establishment of marine protected areas in the Gulf of California, especially in the gulf's northern waters where vaquitas are mostly found.
Parts of the sea have also been designated as World Heritage sites.
Well-managed spiny lobster fisheries provide long-term security for the marine environment and fishing communities.
The loggerhead (pictured above) is 1 of 5 endangered marine turtles found in the Gulf of California. The other species include leatherback, hawksbill, green and olive ridley.
