Lecture: Cross-Border Responses to Wildlife Crime: The Case of Totoaba Trafficking in Mexico, the U.S., and China

Summary 

Illegal wildlife trafficking is a highly lucrative global crime that threatens biodiversity and fuels transnational criminal networks. Specifically, the illegal trade of totoaba swim bladders—a critically endangered species native to the Upper Gulf of California in Mexico—has led to a drastic population decline and poses a severe threat to the vaquita marina, an even more vulnerable marine mammal endemic to the same region with approximately only 6-8 specimens left. The issue is compounded by socio-political tensions, economic challenges, and the presence of organized crime in the area.

To address this, trilateral cooperation between Mexico (the country of origin), the United States (transit country), and China (the main consumer) is essential for effective enforcement and reduction of illegal totoaba trafficking. At CITES COP19 in 2022, the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) was established to coordinate law enforcement efforts. However, its activation has been gradual, and information sharing among the three countries remains limited.

About the presenter: 

Sigrid Gutiérrez Aquino is a 24-year-old emerging researcher with academic training in International Relations. She has presented academic papers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the Dr. José María Luis Mora Research Institute. Sigrid volunteered with the Mexican Alliance Against Fracking, supporting the monitoring of news related to pollution in the hydrocarbon sector. Later, she worked at Mexico's Federal Attorney's Office for Environmental Protection, participating in cooperation activities with agencies from the United States and Canada. Currently, she is completing an internship at the Global Green Growth Institute, where she supports the sustainable finance team in Mexico.