In recent years, the residents of the Gulf of Santa Clara have shown a remarkable commitment to conservation. Their enthusiasm is contagious for caring for some of the emblematic species of the beach ecosystem, such as the Greater Sardinian Sandpiper (Leuresthes sardina), which every year carries out a mass spawning on the beach, and the Pacific Red Knot (Calidris canutus roselaari), an endangered bird that feeds mainly on the eggs of the Greater Sardinian Sandpiper. The local community is clear that these species are a natural treasure and is willing to protect them.
The spawning of the silverside is an amazing spectacle. Every spring, between the months of February and May, thousands of female silversides gather on the shore of the beach, and even come up a few centimeters out of the water. They partially bury their bodies in the sand and begin to spawn. The males surround them with a frantic swim, in order to fertilize the eggs. This happens in intense days that usually last a couple of hours and are repeated over weeks, which attracts thousands of tourists who want to contemplate this unusual event.
This is where the Pejerreynas enter the picture, a group of women residents of the Gulf of Santa Clara who are the visible face of the environmental commitment. Their task focuses on the protection of the Pejerrey and the entire ecosystem, with volunteer actions to train the population and inform visitors about safe areas to observe wildlife. They also implemented a ghost net collection project and educational activities for children and young people in the area. By doing so, the Pejerreynas are transmitting their commitment to the new generations.
For this reason, the organizations Causa Natura and Causa Natura Media recently awarded Ciry Aldama, representative of the Pejerreynas, as one of the 25 most outstanding people for the oceans in our country. This distinction highlights the work of people from different sectors who achieve impact, influence and sustainability in coastal and marine communities in Mexico. The award is determined by nominations from various civil organizations, citizens and the Sea Journalism Network.
Ciry Aldama is originally from Costa Rica, a town located in Culiacan, Sinaloa. Her life changed radically when she migrated to Golfo de Santa Clara. “When I arrived to this community about thirty years ago, I didn’t even knew the sea,” the winner recalls nostalgically. “I liked the place and I’m still here.” Of course, Ciry not only remains here, but she has also become a factor of social and ecological change for many people.
Her work on behalf of the beach ecosystem began in 2014, along with a group of citizens interested in caring for the species of the Golfo de Santa Clara. “Since then we have been working as an organized group in the community,” says Ciry. Very soon this initiative attracted the attention of various organizations. “After the second year we began to receive support from the Biosphere Reserve of Golfo de Santa Clara and also from Pronatura Noroeste.” Among the institutions that also offer technical support to the Pejerreynas is the Bird Laboratory of the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur (UABCS) through Master of Science Adriana Hernandez Alvarez and Dr. Roberto Carmona.
Like Ciry Aldama, dozens of local women and men successfully protect the spawning and incubation process of the Pejerrey, and with it, allow the feeding of the Red Knot and other vulnerable species of Golfo de Santa Clara.
Lizz Gonzalez Moreno, Conservation Education coordinator at Pronatura Noroeste, underscores the remarkable work of Ciry Aldama and her team. “The Pejerreynas also collaborate in monitoring species and collecting nets that pollute the beach, in addition to making bags, belts, wallets and handicrafts with fish scales.”
We congratulate Ciry and all the Pejerreynas, who with their example and selfless work achieve a greater projection to the environmental tasks in the Gulf of Santa Clara. They are Norma Soraida Gonzalez, Alejandra Ramos, Marlen Aguilar, Teresita Felix, Martha Eunice Reyes, Elena Bernal, Elizabeth Carrillo, Alma Fernanda Rosas, Jazmin Martinez, Ruth Espinoza, Lorena Perez, Yuritzie Castillon, Susana Patlan, Alma Sanchez and Yazmin Guadalupe Flores.
