Revillagigedo Islands-Eco News You May Never Hear

This is probably one eco news story you will not hear due to the sensitive nature of it. We can give you some of the details, the rest you'll have to ask the vessels owner and crew. When it comes to saving wildlife, sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. In the case of this crew and divers, they all deserve awards:

"On March 2, 2008, an 80-foot fishing vessel was seized within the Bio-Sphere of the Socorro's. It was carrying an estimated 3½ tons of sharks, along with 8 giant Pacific manta rays. A professional video and still photography team documented the entire capture and seizure of the vessel. Close-up images of the fishing vessel’s roof show hundreds of shark fins drying. Under the direction of the commander of the Mexican Navy’s interceptor vessel, an underwater film crew documented the contents of a set gillnet that had been deployed in 140 feet of water. Fourteen sharks and one dolphin were found in the fisherman’s net––all caught in flagrant violation of the law".

This is the part of the story that might not ever see the light of day. The seizure was at the behest of a dive boat in the area. They saw, they acted, and today illegal fishermen are in jail. It's an amazing story.

Here's how you can help. The divers on board are putting together a documentary to help save this pristine site from further decimation...all they need is quick funding here's the email we got please contact Earl Richmond if you want to help:

Dear Friends,

The tactic we are taking is to put the evidence of the illegal fishing practice in the hands of those in Mexico who are in a position to influence and bring about change.

Fortunately, we are well connected with variety of influential Mexican businessmen and government officials, some who share our compassion for preservation. At this point, we have a far better chance of making a positive long-term impact through the conservation management officials then we do by creating a media spectacle. It’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about education and informed decision-making.

I am looking using this seizure of an illegal fishing vessel as a positive step in securing the preservation of Revillagigedo Archipelago. We’ll start here, and if that is not enough then we will pursue additional channels to bring the problem of enforcement to light. The images are very powerful, the evidence is completely documented, it needs only be presented in the appropriate manner.

We are in the process to secure funding through our 501(c)(3) non-profit World of Oceans entity, allowing us to move quickly in producing a documentary that encompasses the uniqueness of the Revillagigedo Islands as a one-of-a-kind region for a variety of large pelagic species, and the immediate need for enforcement of this preserve.

Sincerely,
Earl Richmond

Earl Richmond
Producer/President
Richmond Productions, Inc.
earl@richmondproductions.com
www.richmondproductions.com
Phone: 805-688-2718