Learn how the strategic alliance between Pronatura Noroeste, Pesca ABC, Cetacean Action Treasury, the Embassy of Canada, El Sargazo company, and fishers from San Felipe is driving sustainable fishery and protecting marine life
In the Upper Gulf of California, fishers, environmental organizations and business, are working together to enhance the value of artisanal seafood and strengthen the links that connect responsible fishers and consumers.
In this region, Pronatura Noroeste, Pesca ABC and Cetacean Action Treasury (CAT) are leading the Traceability in Fishing in the Upper Gulf of California project, a key initiative designed to promote sustainable fishing and protect the habitat of the vaquita marina.
This initiative is comprehensive, as it includes training in slaughter techniques, the change of fishing methods and the generation of value chains (traceability).
As a part of this project, Pronatura Noroeste works with government institutions to promote co-management and self-regulation in San Felipe’s corvina and shrimp fisheries, supported by the Embassy of Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
Juan Roberto Baez Montoya, a Pronatura Noroeste collaborator specializing in sustainable value chains for artisanal fishery in the Northwest of Mexico, explained that Pronatura Noroeste relationship with the seafood distributor El Sargazo is a key factor in strengthening the value chain of scaled fish fishery in the Upper Gulf of California.
“As Pronatura Noroeste continues to promote good practices and sustainable fishing methods that contribute to the conservation of the vaquita marina, we find that the production and methods need to be recognized by the first buyer, in this case El Sargazo, but also from the end-consumer,” he stated.
He explained that El Sargazo’s role is to connect fishers with restaurants, fish markets and distributors, who seek responsibly sourced seafood.
This approach allows the fisher’s efforts and commitment to sustainable practices, to be reflected in greater recognition and economic value for their products.
From the Sea to your Table: Guarantee of origin and sustainability
Traceability is a fundamental pillar in building this value chain.
The Traceability in Fishing in the Upper Gulf of California project incorporates the GoTrace application, a technological tool that registers the entire process—from the fishing departure to the product’s arrival at the final consumer.
“The fisher, upon setting out for the day’s fishing, records information about that day’s fishing activity and tracks its progress from the water to the landing site in San Felipe, then, it continues to when the product is shipped to the processing plants of El Sargazo, where it undergoes handling and processing before being made visible to consumers,” he explained.
Representatives of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives witnessed the entire process firsthand. They were shown not only how the system works, but also the results of its implementation—from the fisher’s departure to the product’s arrival at Innato, the restaurant of Chef Jesus Vazquez, where they had the opportunity to taste it.
“They had the chance to see the results and experience responsible fishing as consumers. Additionally, they were able to access information about the product’s origin and the journey it underwent—demonstrating that it comes from legal fishing, using permitted methods, and sourced from outside the zero-tolerance area of the vaquita marina,” he stated.
Our goal is to Expand Sustainable Fishing to More Fishers
Pronatura Noroeste, along with organizations and stakeholders promoting sustainable fishing, is strengthening the proposal for the Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) to incorporate more fishers to scale up sustainable fishing practices.
The FIP is feasible, due to fishery products meeting quality standards, having documentary background regarding their origin and capture methods, and following proper handling practices throughout the value chain.
This also helps to build a network of allies who add value to sustainability—particularly in this project, which focuses on the conservation of the vaquita marina.
At Pronatura Noroeste, we promote self-regulation in the Upper Gulf of California with the support of donors and partners:
- Alumbra Innovations Foundation
- Comercializadora El Sargazo
- Comisión Nacional de Áreas Protegidas
- Consejo Mexicano de Promoción de los Productos Pesqueros y Agrícolas
- Fondo Canadá para Iniciativas Locales
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
- International Conservation Fund of Canada
- Monitoreo Administrativo Regional de Especies Marinas
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Oceans 5
- Pesca ABC
- Re:Wild
- Cetacean Action Treasury
- Reserva de la Biósfera Alto Golfo de California y Delta del Río Colorado
- Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
Translated by: Paulina Arce & Fernanda Izabal
