he Gulf of California is world renowned for its productive and rich biodiversity. Over the past 18 , the Center’s Director, Lorayne Meltzer has been working with Drs. Ben Wilder and Jorge Torres to compile perspectives from long-term researchers about the condition of the different species and ecosystems they study.

Of the 41 ecological projects summarized by 32 researchers, only three taxa were assessed to be improving, seven stable, 11 degrading, two rapidly degrading, and 18 have undetermined trends.

Overall, they show an alarming decline of higher trophic level populations throughout the Gulf. The study shows an inherent resilience of the processes that have driven the great abundance and diversity of the Gulf of California; at the same time, it calls our immediate attention to the numerous declines resulting from multiple stressors.

The goal of the study is to inform and promote dialog amongst a broad range of stakeholders toward conservation action.

Click below to learn more about the health of the Gulf of California.