Mexico, China, and the United States are against Totoaba illegal trafficking

Mexico

, China , and the United States will design a strategy to fight the illicit trade of the Totoaba, an endemic fish to the Gulf of California in Mexico and currently an endangered species. According to the Mexican Federal Attorney of Environmental Protection ( PROFEPA ), Totoaba fishing is threatening the Vaquita porpoise .

From August 23 to August 25 , the governments of these three countries will meet in Ensenada , Baja California and the first trilateral meeting on the illegal trade in Totoaba to address trafficking concerns will take place.

In the meeting, the three countries will exchange information about the modus operandi of Totoaba's illicit trade, illegal shipments, seizures, and confiscations, in addition to current investigations.

Moreover, the objective will be to coordinate actions that allow the exchange of strategies, practices, experiences and specialized knowledge for an efficient cooperation to fight Totoaba illicit trade .

In the 17th Conference of the Parties ( COP17 ) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ( UNFCCC ) and the 7th Session of the Conference of the Parties ( CMP7 ) to the Kyoto Protocol , celebrated in Johannesburg , South Africa , the three countries accepted recommendations to maintain the cooperation and coordination against Totoaba illegal trafficking.

To the meeting, organized by the Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources ( SEMARNAT ), the Mexican Federal Attorney of Environmental Protection ( PROFEPA ), and the Ministry of Navy (SEMAR), more than 40 public officials and government authorities will assist in order to coordinate competencies to apply an international strategy.

sg