Sardines are an important food source for many species higher up the food chain such as carnivorous fishes, seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales and seabirds. As Mexican fisheries developed in the 1970’s in the Gulf of California, the sardine fishery provided a lucrative business for many fishermen. In 1988/89, the number of days boats were fishing was the highest ever recorded for the fishery, and the following year a long decline in catch and fishing effort began, culminating in the fishing seasons of 1991/92 and 1992/93. This sharp decline from approximately 300,000 to 7,000 tonnes marked the first collapse of the sardine fishery. When too much effort was invested in catching many fish, landings suddenly declined after years of gains. These results highlight the importance of fishing wild populations responsibly without taking more than the fished system can provide.... Do we have a second chance? ⠀ ⠀ Ph: @fridalaral Text: @fridalaral ⠀ #jointhepod #orgcas #marineconservation #bajacaliforniasur #sardines #whalesharks #foodchain #gulfofcalifornia #fromthebottomtothetop #trophiccascade