Mexico and the United States are negotiating a cooperation plan for the vaquita marina within the framework of the USMCA.
The vaquita is the most endangered marine mammal, small and shy, endemic to the Upper Gulf of California. Its survival is seriously threatened by illegal totoaba fishing, as both species get caught in the same nets.
Cooperation plan for the vaquita marina
From October 2024 to July 2025, the Ministry of Economy coordinated actions with the Ministry of Environment, the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission, and the Ministry of the Navy. Together, they attended the High-Level Representative Consultations on Chapter 24 of the USMCA.
Mexico and the United States are negotiating a Cooperation Plan. This will include measures to protect the vaquita marina, prevent illegal fishing in the Upper Gulf of California, and curb the illegal trafficking of totoaba. The goal is to effectively close the pending consultations.
Since 2023, the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) has been conducting constant monitoring. It uses a land-based radar system and surface radars on ocean patrols. In addition, it has the support of the Sea Horse vessel to reinforce surveillance in the area and ensure compliance with conservation measures.
Between October 2022 and August 2024, Semar placed 409 concrete blocks with steel hooks on the Gulf floor to intercept gillnets, and since 2024, Conapesca, together with fishing communities, has registered and updated the records of active fishermen in the Upper Gulf of California.
Background
In 2018, the U.S. International Trade Court ordered a halt to imports of fish and fishery products from Mexico caught with gillnets in the habitat of the vaquita marina. NOAA complied with the order with a notice in the Federal Register in August, applying clear restrictions on these imports.
In December 2018, Mexico obtained limited comparability rulings in the Upper Gulf of California, allowing certain operations under regulatory oversight. However, in April 2019, NOAA revoked those rulings. The agency concluded that Mexico had not effectively implemented the Upper Gulf Comprehensive Care Program Improvement Plan or demonstrated a regulatory framework equivalent to that of the United States.
The decision increased international pressure on Mexico. It also highlighted the need to strengthen the protection of the vaquita and ensure sustainable fishing practices in the Upper Gulf of California.