In the Gulf of California, Sea Shepherd, a non-profit marine conservation organization, actively engages in protecting the critically endangered vaquita porpoise. With as few as ten vaquitas remaining, Sea Shepherd initiated 'Operation Milagro' in 2015, employing The Seahorse to patrol and address issues like overfishing, poaching, and habitat destruction. This initiative has directly saved over 4,000 sea creatures in the region.
Illegal fishing, especially for the totoaba fish, remains a significant threat. The totoaba's swim bladder, highly valued in the black market, leads to the use of destructive nets. Sea Shepherd tackles this by removing these nets, addressing both marine life threats and the persistence of non-biodegradable plastics.
Acknowledging the challenges, including conflicts with poachers, Sea Shepherd's success with a 90% reduction in illegal fishing activity is evident. Their impact is tangible, with a crucial role in the vaquita's survival.
Emphasizing practical efforts over rhetoric, Sea Shepherd aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), contributing to the global call for ocean conservation. Their work showcases the significance of on-ground initiatives in achieving broader sustainability objectives.
More information: https://www.seashepherdglobal.org/
Youtube credits: https://www.youtube.com/@seashepherd