U.S. Launches Trade Complaint Over Mexico's Failure to Protect Vaquita
For Immediate Release, February 10, 2022
Illegal Fishing in Gulf of California Violates USMCA Trade Agreement, Causes Porpoise’s Near-Extinction
WASHINGTON— U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai formally requested environmental consultations with Mexico today over its illegal fishing. Aimed at protecting the critically endangered vaquita porpoise, the request is the first step under the For Immediate Release, February 10, 2022
Ienforcement and dispute mechanism of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which could lead to trade sanctions against Mexico.
Despite its trade agreement obligations, Mexico is not effectively enforcing its environmental laws, and rampant illegal fishing in the Gulf of California has caused the vaquita’s near-extinction. Today’s request is the first time the U.S. government has invoked the USMCA’s environmental consultation provision since the trade agreement took effect in 2020.
“This is a big move that could save these little porpoises from extinction,” said Sarah Uhlemann, international program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Illegal fishing is out of control in Mexican waters, and the vaquita is paying the highest possible price. We’re glad the U.S. government is taking Mexico to task for violating its environmental obligations and threatening the vaquita’s existence.”
Only 10 vaquita likely remain on Earth. Vaquita become entangled and die in fishing gear set to catch shrimp, totoaba (a large fish in demand in China for its swim bladder), and other finfish.
More:
https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/us-launches-trade-complaint-over-mexicos-failure-to-protect-vaquita-2022-02-10/
Also posted in Environment and energy:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1127150850
