President Joe Biden yesterday threatened Mexico with trade sanctions if it does not step up efforts to preserve the vaquita and totoaba species.
In a letter sent to Congress, Biden announced that he will give the Mexican government a one-year deadline to take the necessary measures and actions against illegal fishing affecting both species.
He also ordered various federal agencies to organize a high-level meeting with the Mexican government to "address the steps to reduce illegal totoaba trafficking and ensure the conservation of the vaquita."
At the meeting, Washington will urge "strengthening the implementation" of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and establish a timeline to review progress in protecting both species.
