Why is totoaba so expensive?

The totoaba is being sought after for its swim bladder, which is considered a delicacy in China. The dried totoaba swim bladders are so valuable that they are referred to as the “cocaine of the sea”, with prices of up to $46,000 per kg on the Chinese black market.

How many Vaquitas are left 2021?

Only about 10 vaquitas remain, but scientists say there’s still hope for the elusive porpoises. Their fate largely depends on the Mexican government.

Is the totoaba extinct?

The totoaba has been listed as critically endangered since 1996; however population estimates have not been carried out since fishing for this species was banned in 1975.

What are totoaba bladders used for?

Swim bladders enable totoaba to maintain their buoyancy in the water. They are used in traditional medicines in China and can fetch up to £15,000 on the black market. Many people believe it can cure ailments such as arthritis.

Can you eat totoaba?

The critically endangered totoaba fish must not be caught or consumed, except for one company, Earth Ocean Farms in the Gulf of California, which has a special permit granted by Mexico, called Unidad de Manejo Ambiental. …

Is totoaba illegal in China?

Dubbed “aquatic cocaine”, trade in the delicacy is banned, but smuggling is still a major problem. Since the beginning of 2018, Chinese customs authorities have uncovered five cases of smuggling in totoaba swim bladders, also known as fish maw.

What killed the vaquita?

This little porpoise wasn’t discovered until 1958 and a little over half a century later, we are on the brink of losing them forever. Vaquita are often caught and drowned in gillnets used by illegal fishing operations in marine protected areas within Mexico’s Gulf of California.

Can the vaquita be saved?

The current population of the Critically Endangered vaquita porpoise is thought to be a few as 10-15 individuals, and many people have concluded that it is thus too late to save the species from extinction. The new research means that the population is not doomed, and likely can still be saved.

Where do the totoaba live?

Gulf of California
The totoaba or totuava (Totoaba macdonaldi) is a species of marine fish, a very large member of the drum family Sciaenidae that is endemic to the Gulf of California in Mexico. It is the only species in the genus Totoaba.

Are Vaquitas smart?

The vaquita is a small porpoise found in the extreme northern Gulf of California, in Baja California, Mexico. The name Vaquita Intelligence speaks to this unusual situation, and to an innate instinct for mutual connection.

Is totoaba illegal to catch?

It has been illegal to catch totoaba since 1975 when it was placed on the Mexican Endangered Species List. In 1976 it was added to CITES Appendix I and in 1979 it was placed on the US Endangered Species List. This closure is necessary as they were still caught as a bycatch in the legal fishery for other species.

Is totoaba a white fish?

Totoaba is quickly becoming a favorite of many restaurants and home cooks. It is one of the best tasting and most versatile white fish available. There are many ways to cook and enjoy this fish and its delicious flavor.