Central Golf Coast

The Central Gulf Coast is the body of water that separates the mainland of Mexico from Baja California. It is commonly known as the “world’s aquarium” and is home to a widespread diversity of marine life. The Central Gulf Coast includes oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries. There are about 400 plant species that grow in the area. In this region, there are many islands. Each island has unique plant species that are able to adapt to the specific climate and soil. Cactaceae is the most diverse plant family, with 6 endemic species found on 5 different islands. A third of the world's marine mammal species live in the Gulf of California, along with more than 170 types of seabirds and 700 types of fish. Out of those 700+ species of fish, only about 90 of them are endemic. The region is home to a variety of sharks, whales, and turtles. The world's largest animal, the blue whale, can be found here as well and the Vaquita, the world's most endangered cetacean, lives in the shallow waters of the Gulf near the shore.

The gulf provides more than 70% of fish for Mexico, which has caused most of the marine life to suffer because of overfishing. Commercial fishing has created many conservation issues for the region including water pollution and habitat destruction due to bottom trawling for shrimp. Many different species, including the Vaquita, are harmed by these practices. The first marine animal to be listed as endangered was a sea bass called the Totaba. After the Hoover Dam hindered the flow of water from the Colorado River into the Gulf, the changes in water salinity influenced the fish’s ability to reproduce.