totuava

The totoaba (Cynoscion macdonaldi) is a very large weakfish found in the Gulf of California. It can weigh over 150 pounds and is highly prized as food.1

The totoaba is also critically linked to the endangerment of the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), the world's smallest and most endangered marine mammal. Vaquitas are caught as bycatch in gill nets, particularly those used for totoaba fishing. Despite totoaba fishing being outlawed in Mexico in 1975, illegal fishing continues, driven by the high value of totoaba swim bladders in traditional medicine and as a food ingredient. This illegal fishing has led to a drastic decline in the vaquita population.2