U.S. 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.
He also instructed his government to support the Mexican government in combating trafficking in these species and to provide training to Mexican authorities if requested.
Sanctions will be decided in July 2024, when the Department of the Interior, the Department of Commerce, the Department of State, and the U.S. Trade Representative submit a report to Biden on the actions taken by the Mexican government.
Last May, the United States had already expressed its concern about "totoaba trafficking and the inadequate conservation" of that species.
