TNC-WWF Joint Strategy for the Gulf of California (ID: 1535)

Project last modified by dsalzer on December 23, 2010. Project Created By: The Nature Conservancy.

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Viability Assessment
Action Plan
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Project Info

Contact Name:
Diana Bermudez

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Contact Organization:
TNC

Data Effective Date:
July 07, 2009

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Operational Unit(s):

Mexico and Northern Central America

Country(ies):

Mexico

Project Description:
I. Introduction
Wedged between the Baja California peninsula and Mexico's mainland is the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez). The Gulf stretches for more than 600 miles, from the Colorado River delta to the southern tip of the peninsula (see Figure 1). Its waters teem with unique creatures, from giant manta rays to the world's smallest aquatic mammal, the vaquita harbor porpoise, found only in these waters.

Named the "World's Aquarium" by Jacques Cousteau, this is one of the most diverse seas on earth. It contains 60% of world's cetacean species, 35% of world's marine mammal species, 754 species of fish, more than 6,000 species of macroinvertebrates, and 210 bird species (including 170 shorebird species).

The Gulf provides breeding habitat to majestic blue, gray, fin and pilot whales who return every winter to calve in sheltered lagoons along the peninsula. Along the peninsula's coastlines, five species of marine turtles nest. Its islands are also important breeding grounds for sea lions and seals and provide key nesting and stopover habitat for hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds.

Deep ocean trenches and nutrient-rich shallow seabeds make the Gulf one of the most important areas in the world for both commercial and sport fishing. Employing 50,000 local fishermen, the Gulf contributes approximately $400 million annually to the Mexican economy and comprises half of the country's commercial fish catch.

Both The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have focused unprecedented attention on the Gulf of California (GOC). Because this area is an economic engine for growth in northwest Mexico, the two organizations decided to step up the scale of their programs and make a greater investment by working as partners than they could by working as individual organizations. "The TNC-WWF partnership demonstrates how two powerful institutions, with complementary strengths, can pool resources to get things done at a pace and scale that make a meaningful difference," said Stephanie Meeks, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of TNC.

"We've stitched everything together to create a powerful, practical solution, and we'll be working on this together for at least the next 10 years," says Steve Cox, WWF vice president and priority leader for the Gulf of California. "We've designed an integrated approach that takes full advantage of the partnership."

To get to that approach, TNC and WWF did a critical review of each organization's strategy for the Gulf area and an assessment of the underlying science. They identified 8 biological targets and 54 key areas that, if protected, could have a significant and lasting impact. Together, the organizations are tackling overfishing, rapid growth in the tourism sector, and a burgeoning second-home industry. WWF's work with the Gulf shrimp industry is testing new low-impact fishing technologies; opening new markets for sustainably harvested shrimp; and, in places where stocks are overfished, helping artisanal fishers move into other livelihoods. TNC's expertise in protected areas and private lands blends well with WWF's policy expertise in fisheries.

"Most important is WWF and TNC's shared commitment to building strong alliances with the Mexican organizations who are the real champions in this story," says Steve. "There has never been such a large-scale, sustained partnership between two international non-governmental organizations. It's what the Gulf needs."

Site/Scope Description:
I. Introduction
Wedged between the Baja California peninsula and Mexico's mainland is the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez). The Gulf stretches for more than 600 miles, from the Colorado River delta to the southern tip of the peninsula (see Figure 1). Its waters teem with unique creatures, from giant manta rays to the world's smallest aquatic mammal, the vaquita harbor porpoise, found only in these waters.

Named the "World's Aquarium" by Jacques Cousteau, this is one of the most diverse seas on earth. It contains 60% of world's cetacean species, 35% of world's marine mammal species, 754 species of fish, more than 6,000 species of macroinvertebrates, and 210 bird species (including 170 shorebird species).

The Gulf provides breeding habitat to majestic blue, gray, fin and pilot whales who return every winter to calve in sheltered lagoons along the peninsula. Along the peninsula's coastlines, five species of marine turtles nest. Its islands are also important breeding grounds for sea lions and seals and provide key nesting and stopover habitat for hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds.

Deep ocean trenches and nutrient-rich shallow seabeds make the Gulf one of the most important areas in the world for both commercial and sport fishing. Employing 50,000 local fishermen, the Gulf contributes approximately $400 million annually to the Mexican economy and comprises half of the country's commercial fish catch.

Both The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have focused unprecedented attention on the Gulf of California (GOC). Because this area is an economic engine for growth in northwest Mexico, the two organizations decided to step up the scale of their programs and make a greater investment by working as partners than they could by working as individual organizations. "The TNC-WWF partnership demonstrates how two powerful institutions, with complementary strengths, can pool resources to get things done at a pace and scale that make a meaningful difference," said Stephanie Meeks, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of TNC.

"We've stitched everything together to create a powerful, practical solution, and we'll be working on this together for at least the next 10 years," says Steve Cox, WWF vice president and priority leader for the Gulf of California. "We've designed an integrated approach that takes full advantage of the partnership."

To get to that approach, TNC and WWF did a critical review of each organization's strategy for the Gulf area and an assessment of the underlying science. They identified 8 biological targets and 54 key areas that, if protected, could have a significant and lasting impact. Together, the organizations are tackling overfishing, rapid growth in the tourism sector, and a burgeoning second-home industry. WWF's work with the Gulf shrimp industry is testing new low-impact fishing technologies; opening new markets for sustainably harvested shrimp; and, in places where stocks are overfished, helping artisanal fishers move into other livelihoods. TNC's expertise in protected areas and private lands blends well with WWF's policy expertise in fisheries.

"Most important is WWF and TNC's shared commitment to building strong alliances with the Mexican organizations who are the real champions in this story," says Steve. "There has never been such a large-scale, sustained partnership between two international non-governmental organizations. It's what the Gulf needs."

Project Goal Comment:
Joint Vision Statement
A productive and resilient Gulf of California that sustains a diversity of healthy, interconnected ecosystems that reliably produce the ecosystem goods and services needed to support human welfare, strong economies and biological diversity.

Team Info:
Full Team Compliment:
Diana Bermudez; TNC; Team Member, Leader/Manager
Yven Echeverria; TNC; Team Member
Karen Wong; TNC; Team Member
Diana Crespo; WWF; Team Member
Alejandro Rodriguez; WWF; Team Member
Anne Gondor; TNC; Team Member
Steve Cox; WWF; Team Member, Leader/Manager
Enrique Sanjurjo; WWF; Team Member

Objectives

Name
A1 : Estuaries1 : By 2020, estuaries at priority sites* in the GoC are ecologically functioning and at least support the same population levels of wetland birds, plants and fish and recruitment levels of marine invertebrate and vertebrate (shrimp, bivalves and snooks) than in 2009 (Target = Estuaries) (more info) Comment: MONITORING STRATEGY: Compare the changes over time (2009-2020) of base line viability indicators 1. abundance indexes for wetland birds, plants and fish.2. recruitment indexes for shrimp, bivalves and snooks.3. Species composition in the base lines of Estuaries priority sites in the GoC.
A2 : Estuaries2 : By 2020, critical estuarian nursery habitat of (Anne create sp. list from Villavicencio 2000) shark and ray species are effectively conserved through fisheries management schemes such as seasonal closures, no-take zones or protected areas at priority sites. (Target = Estuaries) (more info) Comment: MONITORING STRATEGY: Compare the changes over time (2009-2020) of base line viability indicators in the base lines of Estuaries priority sites in the GoC.
B1 : Shoreline1 : By 2020, the current surface area of rocky shoreline, sandy shoreline (including sea turtle beach nesting sites), mangroves, and non-mangrove wetlands -- at least maintained in their functional condition for supporting critical life habitat in selected priority shoreline sites as compared in 2009. (Target = Shoreline) (more info) Comment: Measure and compare the changes over time of the surface area of rocky shoreline, sandy shoreline (including sea turtle beach nesting sites), mangroves, and non-mangrove wetlands and their functional conditions to suport critical life habitat in GoC priority sites.
C1 : Rocky reefs and rocky bottoms1 : By 2020, diversity and abundance of reef fish, lobsters, octopuses and sea cucumbers at reefs and rocky bottoms of priority sites are the same or have increased than in 2009* (Target = Rocky reefs and rocky bottoms) (more info) Comment: Measure and compare the changes over time (2009-2020) of base line viability indicators / diversity and abundance of reef fish, lobsters, octopuses and sea cucumbers at reefs and rocky bottoms in GoC priority sites. (Using COBI software: Eureka)
D : Migratory species1 : By 2020, all 2006* identified important critical life stage habitats (such as those for breeding, nesting and feeding) for migratory species are at least maintained. (Target = Migratory Species) (more info) Comment: Monitoring strategy: Measure and Compare the changes over time (2006-2020) of base lines viability indicators to maintain critical life stage habitats for the migratory species at GoC priority sites.
E1 : Seamounts1 : By 2020, diversity and abundance of pelagic fish assemblages at seamounts associated to priority sites are the same than in 2009 (Target = Seamounts) (more info) Comment: Measure and Compare the changes over time (2009-2020) of base line indicators / diversity and abundance of pelagic fish assemblages at seamounts associated to priority sites
F1 : Coastal Shallows and soft bottoms1 : By 2020, the diversity and abundance of representative* groups of fishes and demersal and benthic organisms of soft and shallow bottoms at priority sites of the GoC are maintained, in comparison with 2009 (?) baseline levels by ensuring ecological flow and the integrity of the soft bottom. (Target = Coastal shallows and Soft bottoms) (more info) Comment: Monitoring strategy. Compare the changes over time (2009-2020) of base line viability indicators / diversity and abundance of representative* groups of fishes and demersal and benthic organisms of soft and shallow bottoms at priority sites of the GoC.
F2 : Coastal Shallows and soft bottoms2 : By 2020, the vaquita is safe from extinction due to fisheries related threat (Target = Coastal shallows and Soft bottoms)
Net 3 : refined design of the functional network : Objective Net3. By 2010, the refined design of the functional network will incorporate ecological and social connectivity, environmental services, and information about global climate change.
Net 4 : key stakeholders understand the economic value of a functional network of conservation and management areas : Objective Net4. By 2012, key stakeholders understand the economic value of a functional network of conservation and management areas and the value of intact ecological systems.
Net 6 : Adequate legal tool effectively applied and a management plan : By 2015, at least 50% of the 54 priority sites have an adequate legal tool effectively applied.
Net10.1 : Communicate network strategy results to key internal and external audiences. : By 2020, TNC and WWF team are demonstrating effectiveness of the network strategy to key internal and external audiences.
Net10 : Monitoring the effectivenes of the network of conservation and mgmt areas : By 2015, conservation practitioners in the network are using monitoring data to measure their success at the site and multisite level, do adaptive management and improve the practices of conservation in at least 50% of the 54 priority sites.
Net11 : Priority sites are effectively managed. : By 2018, at least 50% of the priority sites are effectively managed.
Net12 : Reduction of unsustainable fisheries conditions : By 2020, 100% of all unsustainable fisheries conditions (free access, destructive practices, lack of organization) have been eliminated in at least 8 priority sites, and sustainable fisheries practices (selective and modern systems, organized operations, incentives and legal access to fisheries resources and fishing zones) have been adopted. (Threat = Unsustainable Artesanal Fishing)
Net13 : Reduction of unsustainable Industrial fisheries conditions : By 2020, the total volume of the industrial shrimp fleet of the Gulf of California has been reduced by 30% with respect to the 2007 volume (2,000 boats). (Threat = Unsustainable Industrial Fishing)
Net14 : Critical invasive species eliminated : By 2015, the most critical invasive species have been eliminated or reduced until acceptable ecological levels from at least 50% of priority islands in the Gulf (priority islands to be defined, based on species vulnerability, endemics, etc.). (Threat = Invasive Species (cats, dogs, rats))
Net1 : key partners participation : By December 2010, institutional collaboration and institutional agreements on conservation and management implementation strategies for the network have been reached.
Net2.1 : decision making tool developed : By May 2010, decision making tool is online and key users are familiar with it and have started to utilize it.
Net2 : Policy tools : By September 2009, all of the organizations collaborating on this initiative have a comprehensive understanding of the different conservation and management policy tools currently available in Mexican legislation and their applicability for the Gulf of California.
Net5 : Key partners and conservation practitioners BUY IN : By 2012, intersectorial collaboration/cooperation mechanisms have been established between the key stakeholders in order to ensure effective implementation of policy tool(s) at the 16 priority sites.
Net7 : Efective management plans enforced : By 2015, at least 50% of the 54 priority sites have a management plan (or appropriate rules for resource use) being implemented and enforced.
Net8 : no take zone declared : By 2015, at least 50% of the areas that should have a no-take zone status in the 54 priority sites are no-take zones (informal or formal)
Net9.1 : Institutional capacities : By 2015, at least 50% of the priority sites have a lead institution with adequate capacity to manage the site effectively.
Insular species - Nesting Bird1 : By 2020, nesting bird abundance and number of nesting sites at priority sites is the same than in 2009* (Target = Insular Species) (more info) Comment: Compare the changes over time (2009-2020) of the base line insular species / abundance index and number of nesting sites at GoC priority sites
Insular species - Nesting Bird2 : By 2020, the abundance of Myotis vivesi at priority sites is the same than in 2009. (Target = Insular Species) (more info) Comment:* Compare the changes over time (2009-2020) of the base line insular species / abundance index and number of nesting sites at GoC priority sites

Targets

Focal Conservation Target	Target Type	Habitat Type
Coastal shallows and Soft bottoms (more info) Description: Coastal shallows and soft bottoms encompass nearly a third of the upper GOC. The main nested targets that are covered within this target are vaquita, totoaba, seagrasses, sardines and shrimp. The majority of the macroinvertebrate biodiversity occurs within the ecosystem, the intertidal zone to about 20m. Without more specific habitat mapping we have defined this focal target as shoreline to 75 m for the upper GOC and those areas identified by experts of high invertebrate diversity that intersect that bathymetry, sardine recruitment areas and shrimp trawling areas. This extent captures the entire distribution of vaquita and known sites of seagrass beds. Also impacted within this ecosystem are those habitat constructors on the transitional ecotones between systems, such as rodolith beds and sabellaria reefs formed by polychaetes. General threats: artisanal and industrial shrimp fisheries. Description Comment: Monitor strategy: Compare the changes over time (2009-2020) of base line viability indicators / diversity and abundance of representative* groups of fishes and demersal and benthic organisms of soft and shallow bottoms at priority sites of the GoC. Measure the changes over time of the vaquita viability indicators.	-	-
Estuaries (more info) Description: The most important and threatened coastal ecosystems in the GOC are estuaries. They are characterized as either mangrove or non-mangrove ecosystems, containing high biodiversity and productivity, transporting nutrients into the marine environment. They are critically important as spawning and nursery habitat for fish species (both commercial and non-commercial) as well as shrimp and other invertebrates. They also serve as forage habitat for juvenile sea turtles and stop-over sites for migratory birds. Due to differences in threats sub-regionally, this target includes three nested targets: 1) mainland estuaries which are typically (at least in the southern region) characterized by perennial freshwater input; 2) peninsula estuaries the majority have intermittent freshwater input and 3) Colorado River estuary which has virtually no freshwater input due to urban water supply allocations and agriculture upstream producing pollution runoff. General threats: Habitat destruction and hydrologic alteration, tourism housing and resort developments, marinas and aquaculture installations are the biggest threats to estuaries. Others include destructive fishing practices, wood harvesting and agriculture. Description Comment: Includes nested species as wetland birds, plants and fish, invertebrate, refuge and nursery areas for shrimp, bivalves and snooks	-	-
G. Blue water systems	-	-
H. Groundwater dependent wetlands (oases, springs, marshes, vernal pools)	-	-
Insular Species (more info) Description: There are more than 900 small and large islands within the GOC, which support approximately 90 species of endemic animals and plants. All terrestrial portions and adjacent marine areas of the islands are decreed Areas of Protection of Flora and Fauna, managed by the Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP). In particular, conservation target species on islands are the endemic fishing bat (myotis vivesi) and nesting birds. General threats: invasive species, primarily cats, dogs, rats and mice; potential threat is tourism and the accidental disturbance of roosts or nesting sites. Description Comment: Island endemics, including fishing bat	-	-
Migratory Species (more info) Description: Migratory species are facing threats the world over. Protecting at least critical habitat along their migratory routes is at least one step to assisting the persistence of these species. Specifically the network will focus on these migratory groups: birds, great whales and sea turtles. General threats: climate change, coastal development, bycatch. Migratory birds flyways, stopover sites, nesting and breeding habitat have been greatly disturbed with wetland degradation, fragmentation and complete habitat loss.	-	-
Rocky reefs and rocky bottoms (more info) Description: Rocky reefs and rocky bottoms This target is composed of two nested targets: 1) Cabo Pulmo and 2) Rocky reefs and bottoms. Cabo Pulmo is the only true coral reef in the Gulf of California and the northern most in the Eastern Pacific. It supports more than 400 vertebrate and invertebrate species. General threats: Divers and sports fisherman and commercial aquarium trade, coral bleaching due to increased sea surface temperatures from climate change, as well as shoreline development and subsequent pollution run off potentially causing nutrient enrichment on the reef. Rocky reefs and bottoms are scattered throughout the Gulf of California and are important adult stage habitat for more than 250 fish species. They are critical habitat for many fish species that reproduce through spawning aggregations. Several benthic fisheries occur only at rocky bottoms (e.g. lobsters, octopuses, etc.). They can be characterized by a combination of several different habitat types such as rodolith beds, walls, large and small boulders and black coral. General threats: overfishing, illegal and unregulated fishing practices, and coastal development.	-	-
Seamounts (more info) Description: Seamounts are mountain peaks that rise from the ocean bottom and do not reach beyond the surface of the water. Their effects over ocean currents produce an "island effect" and have aggregative effects over larvae, juvenile and adult stages of many pelagic and benthic organisms. They are areas of high biodiversity and often sites for tuna aggregations as well as other large pelagic fishes such as billfish (striped, blue and black marlin, sail fish), manta ray, hammerhead and whale sharks and common dolphin fish. In general, seamounts often support a rich diversity of invertebrates such as filter feeding corals, anemones and sponges. Seamounts support habitat connectivity by serving as stepping stones for coastal species dispersal and foraging habitat for pelagic fish. Seamounts have not been fully mapped for the GOC but there are at least 10 that have had surveys for pelagic fish assemblages around the southern tip of Baja California (Muhlia-Melo, 2003). General threats: Overfishing by sport and artisanal fishers, directed catch of sharks and destructive fishing practices impacting benthic communities. Description Comment: Partially covers sharks and large pelagic aggregations	-	-
Shoreline (more info) Description: Shoreline This target encompasses 5 nested shoreline targets: rocky, sandy (including sea turtle beach nesting sites), mangroves, and wetlands (non-mangrove). Rocky shoreline is distributed along the central and lower Baja coasts and around most of the islands in the GOC. The mainland coast has short stretches of rocky headlands interrupting hundreds of miles of sandy beaches. Both coastlines have numerous coves, bays, lagoons, and estuaries bordered by mangrove swamps and salt marshes. General threats: habitat destruction from coastal development, aquaculture and agriculture. Description Comment: Rocky and sandy, mangroves, wetlands, sea turtle nesting sites	-	-

Threats

Threat (Common Taxonomy) ^*	Targets Threatened
Unregulated Sportfishing (Biological Resource Use :: Fishing & Harvesting Aquatic Resources )	Rocky reefs and rocky bottoms Seamounts
Climate Change (Climate Change & Severe Weather :: Habitat Shifting & Alteration )	Migratory Species Coastal shallows and Soft bottoms Rocky reefs and rocky bottoms Shoreline Insular Species Seamounts Estuaries G. Blue water systems
Unregulated Urban & Tourism Development (Residential & Commercial Development :: Tourism & Recreation Areas )	Migratory Species Shoreline Estuaries
Unsustainable Artesanal Fishing (Biological Resource Use :: Fishing & Harvesting Aquatic Resources )	Migratory Species Coastal shallows and Soft bottoms Rocky reefs and rocky bottoms Shoreline Seamounts Estuaries
Unsustainable Aquaculture (Biological Resource Use :: Fishing & Harvesting Aquatic Resources )	Migratory Species Coastal shallows and Soft bottoms Shoreline Estuaries
Altered freshwater environmental flows (quality, quantity, temporality) (Natural System Modifications :: Dams & Water Management/Use )	Migratory Species Coastal shallows and Soft bottoms Shoreline Estuaries
Invasive Species (cats, dogs, rats) (Invasive & Other Problematic Species & Genes :: Invasive Non-Native/Alien Species )	Insular Species
Unsustainable Industrial Fishing (Biological Resource Use :: Fishing & Harvesting Aquatic Resources )	Migratory Species Coastal shallows and Soft bottoms Shoreline Seamounts

^* For information on the common taxonomy of threats, see http://conservationmeasures.org/CMP/IUCN/.

Strategies

Strategy (Common Taxonomy)	Threats Addressed
2 : Conservation Sector Capacity Dev´t ( External Capacity Building :: Alliance & Partnership Development )	-
3 : Vaquita strategy ( Species Management :: Species Recovery )	-
4 : incentive-based Fisheries Policies ( Livelihood, Economic & Other Incentives :: Linked Enterprises & Livelihood Alternatives )	-
5 : Shrimp Initiative ( Species Management :: Species Management )	-
RC1 : Network of conservation & mgmt areas : Implementing a suite of conservation and management tools that ensures a comprehensive representation of the region's biodiversity, provides adequate connectivity for critical ecological processes, improves the health of the conservation targets and abates the region's principal threats will require five major steps: 1) Design of a functional network that incorporates ecological and social connectivity, environmental services, and information about global climate change; 2) Identification of the most appropriate conservation and management tools for each site in the network based on biological, economic, social and political criteria; 3) Achieving the endorsement of environmental and fisheries authorities and civil society for the network; 4) Ensuring efficient management, enforcement and long-term sustainability of the network of sites; and 5) Monitoring of the effectiveness of the network. ( External Capacity Building :: Alliance & Partnership Development )	-
Climate Change ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	Climate Change
Freshwater ( Undefined :: Undefined )	-
Tourism & Coastal Dev't Strategy ( Law & Policy :: Private Sector Standards & Codes )	-

Viability Summary

Conservation Targets		Landscape Context		Condition		Size		Viability Rank
Conservation Targets		Grade	Weight	Grade	Weight	Grade	Weight	Viability Rank
1	Coastal shallows and Soft bottoms	-	1.0	-	1.0	-	1.0	-
2	Estuaries	Good	1.0	-	1.0	-	1.0	Good
3	G. Blue water systems	-	1.0	-	1.0	-	1.0	-
4	H. Groundwater dependent wetlands (oases, springs, marshes, vernal pools)	-	1.0	-	1.0	-	1.0	-
5	Insular Species	-	1.0	-	1.0	-	1.0	-
6	Migratory Species	-	1.0	-	1.0	-	1.0	-
7	Rocky reefs and rocky bottoms	-	1.0	-	1.0	-	1.0	-
8	Seamounts	-	1.0	-	1.0	-	1.0	-
9	Shoreline	-	1.0	-	1.0	-	1.0	-
Project Biodiversity Health Rank								Good

Note:

Threat Summary

Project-specific Threats (Common Taxonomy *)	Coastal shallows and Soft bottoms	Estuaries	G. Blue water systems	H. Groundwater dependent wetlands (oases, springs, marshes, vernal pools)	Insular Species	Migratory Species	Rocky reefs and rocky bottoms	Seamounts	Shoreline	Overall Threat Rank
Unregulated Sportfishing (Fishing & Harvesting Aquatic Resources)	-	-	-	-	-	-	High	High	-	High
Climate Change (Habitat Shifting & Alteration)	High	High	-	-	Medium	High	Medium	Medium	Medium	High
Unregulated Urban & Tourism Development (Tourism & Recreation Areas)	-	High	-	-	-	Medium	-	-	High	High
Unsustainable Artesanal Fishing (Fishing & Harvesting Aquatic Resources)	High	High	-	-	-	Medium	High	Low	Low	High
Unsustainable Aquaculture (Fishing & Harvesting Aquatic Resources)	Medium	Medium	-	-	-	Low	-	-	Medium	Medium
Altered freshwater environmental flows (quality, quantity, temporality) (Dams & Water Management/Use)	Medium	Medium	-	-	-	Medium	-	-	Medium	Medium
Invasive Species (cats, dogs, rats) (Invasive Non-Native/Alien Species)	-	-	-	-	High	-	-	-	-	Medium
Unsustainable Industrial Fishing (Fishing & Harvesting Aquatic Resources)	High	-	-	-	-	Medium	-	Medium	Medium	Medium
Threat Status for Targets and Project	High	High	-	-	Medium	Medium	High	Medium	Medium	High

Assessment of Target Viability

Conservation Target	Key Attribute (Category)	Indicator	Current Indicator Measurement	Rating Comments: (Poor, Fair Good Very Good)	Current Rating and Date	Desired Rating and Date
Estuaries	KEA_A2:Physical Connectivity of river network(alteration from natural, fragmentation indices, pressure for increased storage, -includes groundwater interaction) (Condition)	Degree of fragmentation of entire river network in the basin from source to sea (basin, river channel and riparian scale)	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Estuaries	KEA_A1:Hydrologic regime, combined surface and groundwater regime (Landscape Context)	Seasonal distribution of hydrologic regime for characteristic river type	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Good	Very Good Aug 14, 2009
Estuaries	KEA_A3: Estuarine faunal community, (elasmobranch nursery habitat, fish, shrimp, etc) trophic webs (Landscape Context)	changes in availability of suitable elasmobranch nursery habitat, changes in composition of estuarine dependent fish communities, shift in productivity of shrimp	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Estuaries	KEA_A4:Wetland bird community ¹ (Landscape Context)	Index of Biotic Integrity	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
G. Blue water systems	KEA_G1: upwellings, temperature, acidity, surface wind stress (Landscape Context)	(indicator is biotic composition, whales presence, birds, etc,)	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
H. Groundwater dependent wetlands (oases, springs, marshes, vernal pools)	KEA_H1: hydrologic regime (Landscape Context)	water level, magnitude of groundwater discharge, water chemistry-salts, presence absence of endemic species	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Rocky reefs and rocky bottoms	KEA_C1: reef fish community, trophic webs influenced by freshwater inflows (Landscape Context)	abundance, recruitment index and species diversity and compostion	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Shoreline	KEA_B1:Shoreline habitat (Landscape Context)	% area/shoreline length of unfragmented and type of native habitats, land cover change	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Shoreline	KEA_B2: species composition (Landscape Context)	presence/absence abundance, ratios of mangrove species	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Shoreline	KEA_B3: Erosion and rate of deposition regime, tidal range, periodicity, sediment accretion rate, slope, substrate (Landscape Context)	slope, substrate, landuse behind mangroves and hydrologic flows	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Shoreline	KEA_B4: beach physical characteristics-dimension and configuration, temperature, erosion, deposition (Landscape Context)	dimensions (length, width from high tide mark and elevation) and configuration (slope and aspect) of areal extent and landuse behind beaches	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-

COMMENTS:

¹ (O'Connell et al. 2000, Glennon & Porter 2005) ((abundance, richness

Objectives, Strategic Actions and Action Steps

Show all:
Strategic Action Measures
Action Steps Measures
Comments

Objective: A1 : Estuaries1 : By 2020, estuaries at priority sites* in the GoC are ecologically functioning and at least support the same population levels of wetland birds, plants and fish and recruitment levels of marine invertebrate and vertebrate (shrimp, bivalves and snooks) than in 2009 (Target = Estuaries) (comments)

Objective: A2 : Estuaries2 : By 2020, critical estuarian nursery habitat of (Anne create sp. list from Villavicencio 2000) shark and ray species are effectively conserved through fisheries management schemes such as seasonal closures, no-take zones or protected areas at priority sites. (Target = Estuaries) (comments)

Objective: B1 : Shoreline1 : By 2020, the current surface area of rocky shoreline, sandy shoreline (including sea turtle beach nesting sites), mangroves, and non-mangrove wetlands -- at least maintained in their functional condition for supporting critical life habitat in selected priority shoreline sites as compared in 2009. (Target = Shoreline) (comments)

Objective: C1 : Rocky reefs and rocky bottoms1 : By 2020, diversity and abundance of reef fish, lobsters, octopuses and sea cucumbers at reefs and rocky bottoms of priority sites are the same or have increased than in 2009* (Target = Rocky reefs and rocky bottoms) (comments)

Objective: D : Migratory species1 : By 2020, all 2006* identified important critical life stage habitats (such as those for breeding, nesting and feeding) for migratory species are at least maintained. (Target = Migratory Species) (comments)

Objective: E1 : Seamounts1 : By 2020, diversity and abundance of pelagic fish assemblages at seamounts associated to priority sites are the same than in 2009 (Target = Seamounts) (comments)

Objective: F1 : Coastal Shallows and soft bottoms1 : By 2020, the diversity and abundance of representative* groups of fishes and demersal and benthic organisms of soft and shallow bottoms at priority sites of the GoC are maintained, in comparison with 2009 (?) baseline levels by ensuring ecological flow and the integrity of the soft bottom. (Target = Coastal shallows and Soft bottoms) (comments)

Objective: F2 : Coastal Shallows and soft bottoms2 : By 2020, the vaquita is safe from extinction due to fisheries related threat (Target = Coastal shallows and Soft bottoms)

Objective: Net 3 : refined design of the functional network : Objective Net3. By 2010, the refined design of the functional network will incorporate ecological and social connectivity, environmental services, and information about global climate change.

Objective: Net 4 : key stakeholders understand the economic value of a functional network of conservation and management areas : Objective Net4. By 2012, key stakeholders understand the economic value of a functional network of conservation and management areas and the value of intact ecological systems.

Objective: Net 6 : Adequate legal tool effectively applied and a management plan : By 2015, at least 50% of the 54 priority sites have an adequate legal tool effectively applied.

Objective: Net10.1 : Communicate network strategy results to key internal and external audiences. : By 2020, TNC and WWF team are demonstrating effectiveness of the network strategy to key internal and external audiences.

Objective: Net10 : Monitoring the effectivenes of the network of conservation and mgmt areas : By 2015, conservation practitioners in the network are using monitoring data to measure their success at the site and multisite level, do adaptive management and improve the practices of conservation in at least 50% of the 54 priority sites.

Objective: Net11 : Priority sites are effectively managed. : By 2018, at least 50% of the priority sites are effectively managed.

Objective: Net12 : Reduction of unsustainable fisheries conditions : By 2020, 100% of all unsustainable fisheries conditions (free access, destructive practices, lack of organization) have been eliminated in at least 8 priority sites, and sustainable fisheries practices (selective and modern systems, organized operations, incentives and legal access to fisheries resources and fishing zones) have been adopted. (Threat = Unsustainable Artesanal Fishing)

Objective: Net13 : Reduction of unsustainable Industrial fisheries conditions : By 2020, the total volume of the industrial shrimp fleet of the Gulf of California has been reduced by 30% with respect to the 2007 volume (2,000 boats). (Threat = Unsustainable Industrial Fishing)

Objective: Net14 : Critical invasive species eliminated : By 2015, the most critical invasive species have been eliminated or reduced until acceptable ecological levels from at least 50% of priority islands in the Gulf (priority islands to be defined, based on species vulnerability, endemics, etc.). (Threat = Invasive Species (cats, dogs, rats))

Objective: Net1 : key partners participation : By December 2010, institutional collaboration and institutional agreements on conservation and management implementation strategies for the network have been reached.

Objective: Net2.1 : decision making tool developed : By May 2010, decision making tool is online and key users are familiar with it and have started to utilize it.

Progress	Updated	Comments
On Track	-	El equipo de TNC y WWF han recaudado fondos para implementar las acciones planeadas para el 2009 y 2010. Se cunetan con responsable sy se estan cumpliendo con las tareas asignadas y productos.

Strategic Action: RC1: Network of conservation & mgmt areas: Implementing a suite of conservation and management tools that ensures a comprehensive representation of the region's biodiversity, provides adequate connectivity for critical ecological processes, improves the health of the conservation targets and abates the region's principal threats will require five major steps: 1) Design of a functional network that incorporates ecological and social connectivity, environmental services, and information about global climate change; 2) Identification of the most appropriate conservation and management tools for each site in the network based on biological, economic, social and political criteria; 3) Achieving the endorsement of environmental and fisheries authorities and civil society for the network; 4) Ensuring efficient management, enforcement and long-term sustainability of the network of sites; and 5) Monitoring of the effectiveness of the network. (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
On Track	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net1.1 Convene a meeting with key partners to agree to work or expand their work into the sites prioritized in the first iteration of the network of conservation and managed areas (2008). (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net1.2. Identify and meet with other key actors in the region to align current and future conservation and management strategies and to reach institutional agreements in support of the network of areas (2009). (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: ActNet1.3 Develop a communication strategy and outreach campaign that promotes the importance of the network strategy for engaging key stakeholders using scientific arguments (2010) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Act Net1.4 Establish collaboration agreements with key NGOs and institutions working at the site or regional level. Collaboration agreement will define clear objectives, goals, as well as roles and responsabilities that will facilitate the implementation of the network of areas (2010) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
On Track	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net2.1 Develop a descriptive document and taxonomy of the conservation and management strategies that currently exist in Mexican legislation (2009) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
On Track	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net2.2 Characterize and evaluate the benefits, limitations and feasibility (biological, social, political and economic) of the conservation and management policy tools (2009). (comments) (measures info)

Action Step: Act Net 2.3 Build databases of network attributes (fichas) to link to a legal tool database (jun 09). (comments)
Comment: Build databases of network attributes (fichas) to link to a legal tool database (jun 09).
Action Step: Act Net 2.4 Build decision tree model and online platform (dec 09) (comments)
Comment: Build decision tree model and online platform (dec 09)
Action Step: Act net2.5. Characterization of attributes of policy instruments (sept 09) (comments)
Comment: Characterization of attributes of policy instruments (sept 09)
Action Step: Act Net2.6 Validate functionality of decision making tool with key users (Dec 09) (comments)
Comment: Validate functionality of decision making tool with key users (Dec 09)
Action Step: Act Net2.7 Finalize the development of a decision making tool to assist the identification of appropriate and feasible policy instruments for each site identified in the conservation and management area network (2010) (comments)
Comment: Finalize the development of a decision making tool to assist the identification of appropriate and feasible policy instruments for each site identified in the conservation and management area network (2010)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Completed	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net3.1 Complete prioritization analysis (2008) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
On Track	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net3.2 Complete study of ecological connectivity (2009) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
On Track	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net3.3 Compile information on social connectivity (Nov 2009) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
On Track	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net3.4 Compile information on environmental services generated by the GOC (Feb 2010) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
On Track	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net3.5 Complete vulnerability assessment of climate change in the GOC and incorporate into the design of the network (Dec 2009). (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Completed	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net3.6 Build databases of compiled information of network attributes (fichas) for decision making tool (June 2009) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net3.7 Integrate preliminary subregional results of ecological and social connectivity, environmental services and climate change vulnerability assessment into network attribute database (Feb 2010). (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
On Track	Jul 22, 2009	aburto

Action Step: Act Net4.1 Develop a study that estimates the economic value of functional connectivity between mangroves and adjacent ecosystems (2009-2010) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net4.2 Develop a study that estimates the economic value of the network (2010-2012) (comments) (measures info)

Action Step: Act Net 5.1 Identify institution(s) that has the adequate capacity to lead process to define implementation of the most appropriate conservation and management tool(s) for each site in the network. (comments)
Comment: Identify institution(s) that has the adequate capacity to lead process to define implementation of the most appropriate conservation and management tool(s) for each site in the network.
Action Step: Act Net 5.2 Develop work plans for each site in the network that clearly guides the implementation of the conservation and management tool(s) - objectives, activites, roles and responsibilities, monitoring plan, timelines and budget. (comments)
Comment: Develop work plans for each site in the network that clearly guides the implementation of the conservation and management tool(s) - objectives, activites, roles and responsibilities, monitoring plan, timelines and budget.
Action Step: Act Net 5.3 Identify fundraising strategy to ensure implementation of the conservation and management tool(s) (comments)
Comment: Identify fundraising strategy to ensure implementation of the conservation and management tool(s)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net 6.1 With key government agencies and NGOs, run the decision making model to determine which conservation and management policy tools are most appropriate and feasible for each site identified in the network of areas (2010) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net6.2 Develop a policy agenda to promote and create new legal instruments for conservation and management (2009) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net 6.3 Support the development of justification studies for new conservation and management areas, and lobby for their legal status (2008-2015) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net 6.4 Support the development of land use zoning instruments (2008-2015) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	Jul 23, 2009	-
Planned	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net 6.5 Conduct an evaluation of current fisheries management capacity in the Gulf (2010) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act net 6.6 Support the development of fisheries management plans (2009-2015) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Actividad Net7.1 Identify alternatives for establishing no-take zones other than CONAPESCA formal decree (2010) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Actividad Net 7.2 Support COBI and other local NGOs in the establishment of no-take zones in areas that should have a no-take zone status in the network of 54 priority sites · (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Actividad Net 7.3 Support INAPESCA for validating the technical justifications for the decree of no-take zones by CONAPESCA (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Actividad Net8.1 Carryout scoping exercise that identifies innovative financial strategy (2009). (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Actividad Net 8.2 Develop a financial plan for the entire network of areas (2010-2012) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Actividad net 8.3 Fundraise for the management of the network of areas (2009-2015) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Actividad Net9a.1 Carryout scoping exercise that identifies innovative financial strategy (2009). · (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Actividad 9a.2 Develop a financial plan for the entire network of areas (2010-2012) · (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Actividad Net9a.3 Fundraise for the management of the network of areas (2009-2015) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Actividad Net9b.1 Analyze current evaluations of management effectiveness of existing MPAs in the Gulf of California and generate a roadmap on how MPA management can be improved working in conjunction with CONANP and conservation NGOs (2008) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Actividad Netb.2 Together with NOAA, design and implement a management capacity building program for MPA managers in the Gulf of California (2009-2011) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Actividad Net9b.3 Support the development of site financial plans (2011-2015) (comments) (measures info)

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Action Step: Actividad Net9b.4 Hire an institutional development specialist to strengthen the capacities of local conservation NGOs and government agencies (2009) (comments) (measures info)

Action Step: Actividad Net 10 Identify existing monitoring efforts, as well as monitoring gaps. (comments)
Comment: Identify existing monitoring efforts, as well as monitoring gaps.
Action Step: Act Net 10.1 Promote the importance of status and effectiveness measures by establishing a learning network among conservation practioners. (comments)
Comment: Promote the importance of status and effectiveness measures by establishing a learning network among conservation practioners.
Action Step: Act Net 10.2 Build capacity among conservation practitioners in order to ensure that they have the knowledge and tools needed to establish measures of success and do adaptive management. (comments)
Comment: Build capacity among conservation practitioners in order to ensure that they have the knowledge and tools needed to establish measures of success and do adaptive management.
Action Step: Act Net 10.3 Standardize monitoring protocols that will allow data comparison and assessing the conservation effectiveness of conservation and management areas in the Gulf of California. (comments)
Comment: Standardize monitoring protocols that will allow data comparison and assessing the conservation effectiveness of conservation and management areas in the Gulf of California.
Action Step: Act Net 10.4 Establish collaboration agreements and coordination mechanisms with key institutions in order to establish a functional monitoring network that measures success at the regional level. (comments)
Comment: Establish collaboration agreements and coordination mechanisms with key institutions in order to establish a functional monitoring network that measures success at the regional level.
Action Step: Act Net 10.5 Report how well strategies and actions are achieving the desired results in order to enhance accountability, credibility and transparency internally and externally. (comments)
Comment: Report how well strategies and actions are achieving the desired results in order to enhance accountability, credibility and transparency internally and externally.

Objective: Net2 : Policy tools : By September 2009, all of the organizations collaborating on this initiative have a comprehensive understanding of the different conservation and management policy tools currently available in Mexican legislation and their applicability for the Gulf of California.

Progress	Updated	Comments
On Track	-	El equipo de TNC y WWF han recaudado fondos para implementar las acciones planeadas para el 2009 y 2010. Se cunetan con responsable sy se estan cumpliendo con las tareas asignadas y productos.

Progress	Updated	Comments
On Track	Jul 22, 2009	-

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	Jul 22, 2009	-

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	Jul 22, 2009	-

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Progress	Updated	Comments
On Track	Jul 22, 2009	-

Action Step: Act Net2.1 Develop a descriptive document and taxonomy of the conservation and management strategies that currently exist in Mexican legislation (2009) (comments) (measures info)

Action Step: Act Net 2.3 Build databases of network attributes (fichas) to link to a legal tool database (jun 09). (comments)
Comment: Build databases of network attributes (fichas) to link to a legal tool database (jun 09).
Action Step: Act Net 2.4 Build decision tree model and online platform (dec 09) (comments)
Comment: Build decision tree model and online platform (dec 09)
Action Step: Act net2.5. Characterization of attributes of policy instruments (sept 09) (comments)
Comment: Characterization of attributes of policy instruments (sept 09)
Action Step: Act Net2.6 Validate functionality of decision making tool with key users (Dec 09) (comments)
Comment: Validate functionality of decision making tool with key users (Dec 09)
Action Step: Act Net2.7 Finalize the development of a decision making tool to assist the identification of appropriate and feasible policy instruments for each site identified in the conservation and management area network (2010) (comments)
Comment: Finalize the development of a decision making tool to assist the identification of appropriate and feasible policy instruments for each site identified in the conservation and management area network (2010)