The Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO), Vaquita CPR (Conservation, Protection and Recovery) program, Pesca ABC, and the Whale & Oceanography Museum have come together in a joint effort to support fishermen in the Upper Gulf of California working to help protect the endangered vaquita marina. This effort seeks to cover medical, trip, food, and daily life expenses of local fishermen through establishment of the Francisco “Paco” Valverde Fund.
Francisco “Paco” Valverde was considered a true hero of the ocean who dedicated his life to protecting the sea and the most endangered marine mammal in the world, the vaquita. Sadly, Paco fell victim to COVID-19 earlier this year.
A press release announcing the fundraiser encourages the community to “Join us to support those who, like Paco, have worked tirelessly to help protect the vaquita within the ecosystem of the Upper Gulf of California. Currently these heroes of the ocean confront several challenges caused by Covid-19. We invite you to help support them.”
CEDO executive director Nélida Barajas Acosta remarked, in addition to the Francisco “Paco” Valverde campaign for fishermen, the organization continues to work on proposals to improve results and sustainability of fisheries including crab, clam, and scale fish, among others.