Illegal Net Intercepted in Vaquita Refuge
In the early hours of April 10, Sea Shepherd crew aboard the Seahorse detected what appeared to be an illegal fishing net drifting in the protected waters of the Vaquita Refuge. Using onboard sonar, radar and drone surveillance, the crew confirmed the presence of an active net—approximately 800 meters in length—and immediately alerted the Mexican Navy.
Thanks to Sea Shepherd’s rapid detection and real-time reporting, the Navy deployed an interceptor within hours. As daylight broke, Sea Shepherd crew waited for the illegal fishermen to return—which they did, in an unnamed and unauthorized small fishing boat (commonly known as a panga). They began to pull up the net.
When the fishermen spotted the approaching interceptor, they cut the net and fled toward the beach in San Felipe—where local authorities were already waiting. The vessel was intercepted and secured on land.
What Happens Next
According to the Navy inspector on site, the boat is expected to be confiscated, a financial penalty imposed, and the individuals involved placed at the disposal of the authorities. Official confirmation of these penalties is still pending from the Mexican government.
The net has since been fully removed from the water and transported to the facility in San Felipe, where it will be permanently destroyed to ensure it can never again threaten marine life.
This operation highlights the power of Sea Shepherd’s permanent presence in the region. Because of swift action by our crew, the law was upheld and countless animals were spared.
This is what direct action looks like. This is how we defend the Vaquita Refuge.
Broader Enforcement Efforts
This incident is part of a growing wave of enforcement actions aimed at ending illegal fishing in the Upper Gulf of California. Just one day prior, on April 9, PROFEPA announced the seizure of a small boat and multiple totoaba swim bladders—along with the detention of five individuals suspected of trafficking these endangered fish.
The totoaba trade is directly responsible for the near-extinction of the vaquita, as gillnets used to catch totoaba indiscriminately trap and kill other marine life. According to PROFEPA, this operation was carried out jointly by the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), PROFEPA, and CONAPESCA, and took place in the waters of the Vaquita Refuge—the same area where Sea Shepherd patrols daily.
By removing not just the nets, but also the vessels and individuals involved, authorities are striking at the heart of the illegal supply chain. The back-to-back actions on April 9 and 10 make clear that real progress is being made through close collaboration between Sea Shepherd and Mexico’s environmental agencies.
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