The complexity of processes in a human body is analogous to those of ecosystems. Though marine ecosystems are complex systems, the field of fisheries science and management has traditionally made diagnoses and recommendations based only on the maximum sustainable catch of a single target species, often ignoring habitat, predators, and prey of the targeted species, not to mention other ecosystem components and interactions. In contrast, the Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) that PANGAS supports is an integrated approach that considers the complexities of ecosystem dynamics, the social and economic needs of human communities, and the long-term maintenance of diverse, functioning and healthy ecosystems.

SMALL SCALE FISHING
In terms of the number of people involved, small-scale fishing, artisanal or coastal fishing, is the most important of the three types of fisheries in this region, and throughout the world. Small-scale fisheries are characterized by their low level of investment in equipment as compared to industrial activities and for their dynamic nature. Outboard motors and small fiber glass boats called pangas are used to fish a variety of species in shallow coastal waters employing several different types of gear. In 2005 there were an estimated 1,000 pangas in the upper Gulf.

INDUSTRIAL FISHING
One of the three kinds of fisheries in the Gulf, industrial fishing is characterized by a large investment in equipment and infrastructure and well developed commercialization of products. In the past most government management efforts have focused on these fisheries.  The most important industrial fishery in the upper Gulf is shrimp trawling. In 2002 the upper Gulf fleet, mostly located at Puerto Peñasco consisted of about 120 boats These large boats drag nets across the ocean floor and the target, shrimp, is channeled into a large purse. Unfortunately many other species are also funneled into these nets as bycatch. In recent years shrimp trawlers have been required to use fish and turtle excluder devices to minimize bycatch. Sardine fisheries are also an important industrial fishery of the Northern Gulf, especially near the midriff islands. 

THE TOURISM ALTERNATIVE
In 2007, four fishermen traded their fishing boats for skiffs equipped for tourism. Today tourists, from birdwatchers to sports-fishermen, can explore Peñasco’s shores with knowledgeable and experienced fishermen. CEDO continues to support this transition from fishing to tourism in the upper Gulf, where the pressure on endangered species like the vaquita is high.

BLUE CRAB TRAP FISHERY
Crab traps are baited wire cages, which rest on the seafloor. A buoy, often an empty soda bottle, tethered to the trap helps the fishermen find it.  The trap’s funneled sides make it easy for crabs to enter but hard for them to leave.  During the peak season crab fishermen, like lobstermen, run their lines of traps inshore, on the coasts and estuaries near Peñasco. At Bahia San Jorge, 50 kilometers south of Peñasco, a fisheries cooperative determines the capture rate for its crab fishery.  In this community, pick up trucks ferry fishermen, boats and traps back and forth along 12 kilometers of beach. At the end of the harvest they are weighted down with packed crates of crab. The crabs are later shipped and canned elsewhere, bringing little return to the community.

A FISHING VILLAGE: Origins
Puerto Peñasco, like other coastal towns of the upper Gulf, was first settled by fishermen who followed the totoaba, a giant corvina, as it migrated north to the Colorado River Delta to spawn.  In 1927 a freshwater well was dug near the old port allowing the seasonal fishing camp to evolve into a permanent Mexican settlement. The abundance of fish also lured American sport fishing enthusiasts to Rocky Point, which became popular with the Hollywood crowd as well, especially during the U.S. Prohibition era. Fishermen were reluctant to bring their families until this rowdy crowd was forced to leave by presidential order.

ENRICHING THE DEBATE
By taking a close look at development projects before they are approved, CEDO has been slowly changing the dialogue about development at Puerto Peñasco. The Environmental Impact Statement submitted by Sandy Beach Resorts for the double headed marina, opening at Sandy Beach and at Cholla Bay, did not withstand CEDO’s careful scrutiny which outlined the many environmental and social impacts the project would cause. Authorities asked developers to withdraw their project. It was resubmitted without the Cholla Bay end of the marina. This too was scrutinized by CEDO and other fishers whose fishing grounds would be destroyed by construction of a marina and altering currents in the region. The legal dialogue continues with this development which is now managing the projects and permit requests for each side of the marina separately. CEDO’s goal is to force developers to be responsible for the environmental impacts caused by their projects, by addressing them adequately and looking for alternatives. Destruction of fishing grounds, habitat for endangered species and other key ecological processes should not be taken lightly.