Totoaba
Totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) is a marine fish endemic to the Gulf of California, Mexico. As the largest member of the drum family they are known to grow up to two meters in length and have been recorded weighing over 100kg (220lbs).
Background
Totoaba supported an important commercial meat fishery in the Gulf of California, Mexico until it was heavily overfished and ultimately listed as critically endangered in 1976 under several conservation regulations. Although the fishery has remained closed for decades, Totoaba is currently listed as Critically Endangered. In recent years, poaching has dramatically increased due to the rising value of totoaba swim bladders (buche) on the black market, specifically in East Asia. Additionally, illegal and unreported fishing of totoaba makes regulation of the illicit fishery difficult and often dangerous. In recent years the market for totoaba buche has grown significantly, partially attributed to the involvement of criminal organizations in Northern Mexico.
What is buche?Buche is the spanish word for "swim bladder" - an internal organ used to control a fish's bouyancy. Traditionally, swim bladders of many species have been eaten in soups and other culinary dishes, however totoaba is unique. Prized for its size, color, and thickness, totoaba buche is sometimes purchased as a luxury gift or simply to be held as an investment. The most valuable part of the fish, it is quickly extracted by poachers while the rest of the carcass is discarded. In recent years, totoaba buche has sold for over $20,000 USD/kg in Chinese markets, and today is widely considered to be more valuable than cocaine. |
What is offshore aquaculture?Offshore aquaculture, also known as open ocean aquaculture, is an emerging approach to marine farming where fish farms are moved offshore. The farms are located in deeper and less sheltered waters, allowing for cultivation of fish in ways not feasible in nearshore waters. |