SUFB 1105: One Dead And One Injured Fisherman In The Fight To Fish For Totoaba

A clash between fishermen and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) lead to one dead and one injured after the SSCS ship collided with the fishermen's panga boat and split it in two. 

Reports of the incident differ on both sides. The fishermen alleged that the Sea Shepherd's ship targeted the panga with the intention of sinking it by collision. Sea Shepperd, and the Mexican Navy officials on board the ship, alledged that the fishermen were throwing homemade bombs, knives, hammers, and other objects at their ship to stop them from doing their work. 

Sea Shepherd is working with the Mexican government to retrieve illegal gill nets in the Sea of Cortez to prevent the incidental catch of Vaquitas while fishermen target the totoaba fish. 

Vaquitas are critically endangered marine mammals listed on the IUCN Red list and it is estimated that there are only 10 individuals left. The totoaba is also endangered as they have been targeted for their swim bladders in Asian countries as it is believed that it boosts fertility. 

Links to articles:
1) https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/story/2021-01-05/baja-fisherman-dies-vaquita-conservationists

2) https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/nation-world/story/2021-01-01/fishermen-attack-conservationists-in-mexico-2-injured

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