Poachers Caught at Scorpion Reef: Navy, CONANP, and Sea Shepherd Join Forces

A rare coral reef under threat. A unified force on the water. One mission: stop illegal fishing.

Scorpion Reef is one of the last wild reef systems in the Gulf of Mexico. Remote and rich with biodiversity, it’s a sanctuary for sea turtles, sharks, and countless marine species. But even here, poachers still find a way in.

This week, Sea Shepherd joined forces with the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) and The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) to defend the reef through coordinated sea patrols, drone surveillance, and rapid-response tactics.

Each group brought its strength: CONANP’s jurisdiction, the Navy’s enforcement power, and Sea Shepherd’s unmatched speed, reach, and 50 years of expertise operating ships dedicated to marine protection.

Caught In The Act

During strategic patrolling, a Sea Shepherd drone team spotted a panga actively fishing in the protected zone near Isla Pajoras.

Sea Shepherd’s crew quickly launched surveillance, capturing evidence. The Navy deployed immediately. Armed marines boarded the vessel, discovered a dead shark, and confirmed the fishermen carried no permits or documentation.

The panga was seized. The crew was transported to Progreso for legal processing. The interception happened in real time—because all three partners were in position and ready to act.

The Fight Is Bigger Than Scorpion Reef

This mission is just one of many. From the Upper Gulf of California to Antarctica, Sea Shepherd is closing the gap between marine law and real enforcement—protecting species, intercepting poachers, and defending ecosystems that can’t defend themselves.

Your support keeps us on the water. Every patrol. Every interception. Every life saved.