Formed in 1993, SeaWatch is confronting the rapidly declining fish populations in the Sea of Cortez.
In 2009, SeaWatch petitioned for changes in federal fishing laws and launched Red de Observadores Ciudadanos (ROC), a citizen-driven non-profit organization whose mission is to stop illegal fishing in Espíritu Santo National Park and monitor illegal activities in the Bay of La Paz.
And in 2016, SeaWatch launched the grassroots campaign "Espiritu Santo es parte de ti" (Espritu Santo is part of you) to build public pride and advocacy for the protection of Espiritu Santo National Park near La Paz.
In early 2019, in large part because of the two SeaWatch initiated programs above, the IUCN - International Union for the Conservation of Nature recognized Espiritu Santo National Park as one of the best managed and protected areas in the Americas, the first ever such award in Mexico.
In late 2019, the Federal government dramatically downsized CONAPESCA.
Due to corruption and budget reductions, Mexico's new government has reduced the number of federal fisheries inspectors in Baja Sur from 16 to 1.
Plus ROC's success at Espiritu Santo in stopping illegal fishing has driven the illegal fishermen south towards Bahia Los Sueños and Cabo Pulmo National Park.
This makes ROC's citizen driven vigilance more important than ever!
ROC will expand its vigilance to cover 58 miles of coastline between Espiritu Santo and Cabo Pulmo National Park.
In response to the lack of government inspectors and movement of illegal fishermen, ROC will redouble its efforts with two new 28 foot patrol boats with a new base of operation in Bahia Los Suenos. Click here to watch ROC VIDEO.
"Espiritu Santo es parte de ti" sponsors a hugely successful fundraiser for Marine conservation
A major highlight of our work this year was Sabor a Mar, a major fund raising Gala that was a huge success. It promoted citizen awareness and advocacy and helped spotlight the 4 conservation groups that have been responsible for much of the recovery of Espiritu Santo National Park. That recovery culminated in 2018 when Espiritu Santo National Park was designated by the IUCN as one of the best managed and protected parks in the world, the first such award in Mexico and only the second in Latin America.
Please check out the short video and join us on June 20, 2020 for the next SABOR A MARevent.
Your donations to SeaWatch go directly to support the Espiritu Santo es parte de ti campaign and the successful vigilance efforts of Red de Observadores Ciudadanos (ROC).
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Portland, OR 97211
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