Fishless

One of the first things we did when we arrived in Mexico was buy our fishing licenses. I've been dreaming about Sea of Cortez seafood since the last time we were down here: visions of sierra and corbina danced through my head.

The reality is we've caught only three fish and kept just one. It was a good fish, but it wasn't the bounty we had in mind. It turns out the other cruisers we've been meeting have had the same experience. They've all caught a fish here and there, but fishing has been nothing like what we experienced 14-years ago.

The sea is full of fish-but they are small reef fish, not food fish

It turns out the world-wide trend of over-fishing ,which has depleted the ocean of 90% of world's big fish, has hit the Sea of Cortez. And it's not only cruisers who are feeling the pinch. All the fishermen we've spoken with are catching less, and working harder to get it.

Hard to imagine that a panga with two guys can be the cause of over-fishing

The good news is Mexico is recognizing that their sea (one of the most abundant in the world for dolphins and whales) is at risk and NGO's are rushing to sound the alarm. We met one worker in Agua Verde. Salvador spends his days recording what is caught, where it's caught  and noting the trends--his hope is the country (and the local fishermen) will see the need for reserves and preserves and save the fish in the sea.

For our part--we're living life with less fish. Savouring what we get, but choosing not to add more pressure to the ecosystem.

A lovely yellowtail, a sight that is becoming more rare