The totoaba, also called the “cocaine of the ocean,” and the vaquita are two species endemic to the Gulf of California, Mexico. Both are critically endangered due to illegal fishing and organized crime.
Many of us have heard about the vaquita and the efforts to save it from extinction. The vaquita is the most endangered marine mammal on the planet, with an estimated population of only around 15 individuals (back in the ’90s, there were about 600).
It is native to Mexico and exists only here—the smallest cetacean in the world. It has a light metallic gray color with a darker ring around its eyes. What a shame that, as Mexicans, we are literally wiping out a species forever.
And maybe not many people have heard about the totoaba, because it’s not as cute as the vaquita, but it plays a crucial role in this story. This fish can grow up to two meters (6.5 feet) long and weigh up to 100 kilos (220 pounds), but what earned it the nickname “cocaine of the ocean” is its swim bladder, which is highly valuable in the Chinese market. For example, in 2018, Chinese authorities seized 444 kilos (980 pounds) of totoaba swim bladders, an illegal shipment worth an estimated $26 million on the black market.
Even though there is no scientific evidence to support it, Chinese culture believes that the totoaba’s swim bladder has health benefits, such as promoting longevity and vitality. It is also used in beauty products. For some, it has become a status symbol—a way of saying, “look what I can afford.” These outrageous prices have kept totoaba fishing alive, despite being banned since the 1970s. And now, organized crime is involved in its capture, distribution, and sale.
Even though the totoaba is critically endangered, the vaquita has been the biggest victim of this situation. It is on the verge of disappearing completely. In fact, experts thought that by 2021, there would be no vaquitas left, but somehow, they are still holding on.
Illegal fishermen set massive gillnets in the Sea of Cortez to catch the valuable totoaba, with no regard for the countless other species that die trapped in them. These illegal fishermen are now backed by Mexican cartels.
In 2017, the Mexican government, together with experts from around the world, collaborated on a conservation program aimed at capturing vaquitas and keeping them in a sanctuary for protection and breeding. Unfortunately, the first captured specimen died within hours. The program was canceled after that. A vaquita refuge was also established, where fishing is prohibited, but efforts have not been enough.
A combination of poverty in the region, lack of job opportunities, corruption, organized crime, and poor law enforcement has allowed this illegal activity to grow. But it’s not just about the vaquita and the totoaba—hundreds of species are being affected in the Gulf of California. Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the “aquarium of the ocean,” and we are destroying it out of greed.
A Ray of Hope
Even though only about a dozen vaquitas remain, experts believe there is still enough genetic diversity for natural reproduction, meaning we still have a chance to save them.
Organizations like Sea Shepherd, along with the efforts of local fishermen who care about the environment, have spent the last 10 years removing illegal fishing nets and preventing new ones from being set.
These efforts have led to a 90% reduction in illegal nets in the zero-tolerance protection zone for the vaquita.
The vaquita is the face of this conservation project, but many species depend on us ending this illegal totoaba swim bladder trade. The governments of Mexico and China must work together, and we, as a society, must raise awareness about these issues.
Let’s raise our voices and demand action from the authorities.