ecoalianza

For any organization, surviving ten years is a significant milestone. Eco-Alianza's anniversary gala marked the occasion in style on November 11, looking back to our roots, honoring community leaders, and striving forth with successful ongoing programs and exciting new initiatives.

As reported in last month's Soundings, Eco-Alianza is beginning to take a more active role in a multi-institutional collaboration that began back in 1998, and has resulted in more than 40 published scientific studies concerning the Gulf of California. Leading institutions include the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at U.C. San Diego, University of California Institute for Mexico and the United States (UC Mexus), the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, and the Ezcurra Lab.

Eco-Alianza, UABCS, and Loreto's Dolphin Dive Center all are joining hands to support an ecological monitoring program focused on the health of reefs and near-shore ecosystems in the Gulf of California. The program was initiated in 1998 and has already generated more than 40 published scientific studies.

Fishing is for the Birds This photographic series by Rick Jackson proves how the proper tools and the proper technique make for an effective combination, as this Reddish Egret successfully catches breakfast (clockwise from upper left). Summer heat in Loreto demands efficiency in movement!! Grants and Donations Support Marine Park Enforcement Efforts Photo courtesy of ProNatura Noroeste. Last winter a lot of Loreto Bay residents got a dose of reality when they attended an open discussion with Bay of Loreto National Park Director Alejandro González Leija, an event sponsored and organized by Eco-Alianza. They learned that the Park's operating budget has been cut by more than 50 percent, and also about difficulties the Park faces when addressing illegal fishing and [...]

Eco-Alianza Teams Up to Support Totoaba Program Photos by Megan Rogers and Eco-Alianza staff. By Megan Rogers, Eco-Alianza Intern with contributions by Eco-Alianza staff More than 50 volunteers rolled up their sleeves on July 14 at the Santispac beach on Bahía Concepción in Mulegé, determined to do whatever is necessary to support a critically endangered fish, the Totoaba. On that day, the task was to release 30,000 young fish into the bay, a bucketful at a time. When the 244 islands and islets of the Gulf of California were declared a World Heritage Site in 2005, the Totoaba was one of the reasons – an endemic, endangered species that historically has been an important food source in the area. Currently [...]

Just about anyone who has visited Loreto knows that Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto (PNBL) is special, and worthy of protection. But what's the best way to spread that message worldwide? Children! Or at least that's part of the solution put forth by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In 1972, the UN passed the World Heritage Convention in Paris, asking countries around the world to designate cultural and natural sites worthy of special protection.

Earth Day is Every Day Photo courtesy of Richard Jackson Photography This Saturday, April 22, is the 47th annual Earth Day. At Eco-Alianza we can't think of a better time to re-commit to following the path to sustainability. Whether it's a personal pledge to reduce use of plastics, or getting involved in volunteer environmental work, or just being more aware in our purchasing habits, each of us can make a difference. Read in this issue of Soundings about some of Eco-Alianza's current activities, and if you're looking for Earth Day action ideas, follow the link: http://www.earthday.org/take-action/ Whether you're from México, Canada, the United States, or another country, a quote from U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt ("the conservation president") conveys an important [...]