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  • Scorecard
  • Site Overview
  • Fact Sheet

Site Summary Overview

Located in the Bay of La Paz, the islands in the Espiritu Santo archipelago and the surrounding waters provide habitat for algae, fish, mammals, marine birds and invertebrates, including some species at risk and 38 species of plants and animals that are not found anywhere else in the world. They constitute a feeding and refuge site for various aquatic species and a stopping place along the migratory routes of hammerhead sharks and sea turtles. The archipilago is an important site for fishing, tourism and research. In 2005 these islands became part of UNESCO’s World Heritage of Humanity sites.

Scorecard

Score Legend Trend Legend
Superior
Rapidly Improving
Good
Improving
Fair
Stable
Poor
Diminishing
Critical
Rapidly Diminishing
Undetermined
Undetermined

Water

  • Nutrient Health

    Question

    To what extents are altered nutrient loads affecting ecosystem health and how are they changing?

    Why This Score?

    Selected conditions may preclude full development of living resource assemblages and habitats, but they are not likely to cause substantial or persistent declines.

    Basis of Judgement

    The coves along the Espiritu Santo Island coastline are ideal for capturing phosphorous concentrations, since they are natural sites of deposition and therefore are more sensitive and vulnerable to the eutrophication process. The association between nutrients and the proliferation of toxic microalgae, domoic acid and dinoflagellates has been studied; an increase in jellyfish is associated with concentrations of nutrients and organic material. There is documentation of marine algae introduced in the area, and covering larger areas each year, likely due to an increase in nutrients in marine water. Clear evidence is insufficient for assessing a trend—there is only enough to suggest that the ecosystem is changing. An example is the phenomenon of increasing volumes of water with minimum oxygen levels from the tropical eastern Pacific region along the coasts of Nayarit. However, elements that might confirm this as a trend in the area around the park are not clearly established.
  • Human Health

    Question

    To what extent do water conditions pose risks to human health and how are they changing?

    Why This Score?

    Selected conditions that have the potential to affect human health may exist, but human impacts have not been reported.

    Basis of Judgement

    In 2006, cases of red tides affecting human health were documented in the area (leading to the suspension of fishing activities for approximately one month), but there is no evidence that the toxins came from the immediate vicinity of the island and instead appear to come from the Bay of La Paz. This indicates that the condition of water in the park is good. Red tides can potentially affect human health, but there is no clear evidence that this is taking place in a consistent pattern. The connection between anthropogenic activities and red tides is unknown. What is certain is that the city has grown exponentially in the last six years and this can clearly be expected to have repercussions on the bay’s health. The magnitude of possible effects, however, is unknown.
  • Human Activities

    Question

    To what extent do human activities influence water quality and inputs and how are they changing?

    Why This Score?

    Some potentially harmful activities exist, but they do not appear to have had a negative effect on water quality and inputs.

    Basis of Judgement

    The trend from the Coastal Environmental Quality Index (Índice de Calidad Ambiental Costero—ICAC), estimated from coves located in the Bay of La Paz (2007), indicates that water quality is good and that the same is likely true for Espiritu Santo Island, although an excess of the nutrient orthophosphate (PO4) makes it vulnerable to eutrophication. Evidence of water with high levels of fertilizers draining from rivers along the coastline of the Sonora and Sinaloa side of the bay, as well as a notable increase in isotopic nitrogen found in the hair of Los Islotes sea lions since 2002, are indicators of a trend toward the eutrophication of vast areas of the southern part of the Gulf of California. Population growth in the city of La Paz intensifies other factors affecting the park’s water quality, including discharges of hydrocarbons from oil tankers and increasing numbers of tourist boats, as well as untreated wastewater. The sea surface temperature may increase in the short and medium term, and O2 concentration may decrease, due to expansion of areas from the tropical eastern Pacific region with minimal concentrations of O2, and this may lead to changes in the distribution of fauna.

  • Question

    Why This Score?

    Basis of Judgement

Habitat

  • Extent and Distribution

    Question

    To what extent does habitat alteration, including the extent and distribution of major habitat types, affect ecosystem health, and how is it changing?

    Why This Score?

    Selected habitat alteration may inhibit the development of assemblages, and may cause measurable but not severe declines in living resources or water quality.

    Basis of Judgement

    Since the marine area was decreed a protected area, disturbances of the rocky bottoms that were adversely affecting park habitats were eliminated. In the case of corals, these disturbances were caused by discarded junk carried out to sea during hurricanes, or by dredging conducted by large shrimp boats. A recovery process continues, and while some sites require more stringent protection measures, the situation is not expected to worsen, given the new conservation and management program to be implemented.
  • Contaminants

    Question

    To what extent do contaminants in habitats affect living resources or water quality, and how are they changing?

    Why This Score?

    Information is insufficient or the question is not applicable.

    Basis of Judgement

    Discharges from the rivers along the opposite coastline, lack of clarity regarding the exact relationship between anthropogenic activities and red tides, and the spread of invasive marine algae (caused by the trend toward eutrophication), all suggest that the ecosystem is changing. However, there are not enough elements to identify an ongoing impact from contamination in the Espiritu Santo Archipelago National Park. Studies on the presence of heavy metals in mollusks and the accumulation of mercury in pelagic species in the Bay of La Paz are still underway.
  • Human Activities

    Question

    To what extent do human activities influence habitat extent and quality, and how are they changing?

    Why This Score?

    Selected activities have resulted in measurable habitat impacts, but evidence suggests the effects are localized, not widespread.

    Basis of Judgement

    No substantial changes have taken place in the park’s habitat during the last 20 years. The main impacts suffered are highly localized and have not spread further. Modifications produced in the habitat, for good or ill, come from sunken ships that are being transformed into artificial reefs; the anchoring of boats; spills occurring when ships or ferries run aground; some unauthorized and artisanal fishing methods ("ghost fishing" in El Bajo, to the north of Espiritu Santo Island; and shrimp trawling that was practiced regularly ten years ago, the effect of which has not been evaluated); over-fishing; the increase in activities and impacts of recreational visitors; and the collection of souvenirs in the parks’ core areas. The rocky substrate and corals, in particular, have suffered structural habitat loss. It is not clear whether changes in the habitat fall within normal limits, but the perception of fishermen operating within the park is that fish stocks are diminishing in specific areas, such as San Gabriel Bay and off La Ballena island. This may be attributable to illegal fishing. Also, fishermen warn of increasing vulnerability in sites where red snapper is caught. Anthropogenic activities are unavoidable, but their impacts on habitat should be controlled with more robust management methods. If this does not occur, it is likely that serious problems will arise in relation to habitat quality. So far, the protection-oriented actions implemented have been key to preventing decline of the habitat, and the planned park management and conservation program will certainly contribute to improving the habitat.

Living Resources

  • Biodiversity

    Question

    What is the status of biodiversity and how is it changing?

    Why This Score?

    Selected biodiversity change is likely to inhibit full community development and function, which may cause measurable but not severe degradation of ecosystem health.

    Basis of Judgement

    No homogeneous indicators are available for assessing the current status of biodiversity, since it is difficult to establish comparisons between the different species. Biodiversity is a matter of community, not population. In general, the [overall] wealth of species remains the same, but the abundance of these species is only at an acceptable level. The information provided by censuses at rocky reefs and of invertebrates taken at 15 sites around the island indicate that in a few areas (i.e., El Bajo and Piedra Swann), the wealth, abundance and biodiversity of these species are all greater, in contrast to other zones, such as El Pailebote, Los Muellecitos and Fang Ming (artificial reef). In the case of fish species, the greatest wealth and abundance are found at Los Muellecitos, El Pailebote, Los Islotes, Piedra Swann, El Bajito and Las Tijeretas. Even though there are variations in biodiversity at specific sites, the trend is stable, with the exception of species’ size structures, which are decreasing due to fishing pressure, as well as phenomena such as coral bleaching and the disappearance of gorgonians (sea fans or whips), caused by environmental conditions such as climate change.
  • Extracted Species

    Question

    What is the status of extracted species and how is it changing?

    Why This Score?

    Key extracted species have declined, and there is evidence of impacts on community development and function; recovery appears possible.

    Basis of Judgement

    It appears that the state of biological resources in the area could remain stable over the next five years if management and control of species like the sea cucumber, whose population is showing signs of recovery, is maintained. Nevertheless, there are no strategies for controling the catch of immature individuals, primarily in the case of fish species in fishing management instruments (licenses), and even in the park’s management and conservation program. It has consequently been impossible thus far to prevent the diminution of populations of exploited species, even though the park’s protection measures have contributed to reducing the number of illegal fishermen. The trend in sports fishing is not clear, since precise information regarding the fish caught within the park and in the Bay of La Paz is not available.
  • Alien Species

    Question

    What is the status of alien species and how is it changing?

    Why This Score?

    Information is insufficient or the question is not applicable.

    Basis of Judgement

    At the outer edges of the park and in the Bay of La Paz, some alien, invasive algae and fish species have been found, based on the following evidence:

    - Gilthead bream (Sparus aurata) have been caught outside the area where this species is cultivated, a fact supported by information collected in local fisheries.
    - A female (proterandrous) specimen, measuring 44 cm long and weighing 1 kg, was caught, according to a December 2009 report. Specimens collected are catalogued, and the current situation in the Bay of La Paz is being evaluated.
    - There are reports of invasive macroalgae, Caulerpa numularia from the Caribbean, in the Bay of La Paz and the San Gabriel Bay, and Acantosphora espicifera in Ensenada el Gallo, within the Espiritu Santo Archipelago National Park.
    - Lutjanus inermis, the golden snapper, has extended its distribution area from south of Mazatlán to Cabo Pulmo. In 2010 this species was reported in Piedra Swann, Punta Lobos and Los Islotes.
  • Keystone & Indicator Species

    Question

    What is the status and condition of keystone and indicator species and how is it changing?

    Why This Score?

    Information is insufficient or the question is not applicable.

    Basis of Judgement

    The park’s keystone and indicator species have not been identified, although those included in the decree for the park’s creation could be considered as such. Evidence for assessing conditions is still insufficient and more precise information is needed. There is data on some invertebrate species that require monitoring: the “crown of thorns” starfish (Acanthaster planci), which is corallivorous and a top predator whose density increases in response to certain anthropogenic activities and the abundance of which has not thus far represented a problem for the park’s coral communities; the brown urchin (Tripneustes depressus), a herbivore that helps to control algal populations that compete with corals; and gorgonian species (Leptogorgia rigida, Muricea austera, and M. appressa), whose abundance is due to environmental changes. Changes are observed in the structure of the pargo community: specifically, when the abundance of the dominant species (Lutjanus argentiventis) increases, the proportion of other pargo species diminishes; in addition, there are changes in the sea lion population, which is increasing in Los Islotes.

    - It is necessary to define indicators for determining the keystone, indicator and focal species, and for assessing their status and trends. A forum could be held for this purpose.
    - It is necessary to monitor the following fish species: crown-of-thorn starfish (Acanthaster planci), gulf grouper (Mycteroperca jordani), leopard grouper (M. rosacea), blue-barred parrot fish (Scarus ghobban), finescale triggerfish (Balistes polilepys), amarillo snapper (Lutjanus argentiventris), Pacific dog snapper (L. novenfasciatus), Mexican barred pargo (Hoplopagrus guentherii), blue-spotted jawfish (Opistognathus rosenblatti), Cortez angelfish (Pomacanthus zonipectus), and the King angelfish (Holocanthus passer).
  • Species of Common Concern

    Question

    What is the status and condition of species of common conservation concern?

    Why This Score?

    Information is insufficient or the question is not applicable.

    Basis of Judgement

    There is information regarding some species at risk that have been observed in the park and that are included in the Mexican Official Standards (Norma Oficial Mexicana—NOM) (California sea lion and sea cucumber), and some invertebrates such as the pearl oyster (Pinctada mazatlanica) and sea cucumber (Isostichopus fuscus) (subject to exploitation) that are showing signs of increased abundance within the archipelago. It is important, however, that ongoing monitoring of these species continues. There is a major lack of information and precise data on the catch of ornamental fish, particularly the Cortez angelfish (Holocanthus passer) and royal angelfish (Holocanthus zonipectus), species considered to be over-exploited, according to the Mexican NOMs. More precise information is necessary regarding species such as the hammerhead shark, giant manta ray, and sea turtles threatened by illegal consumption [eggs] and bycatch (primarily olive ridley and black or prieta sea turtles since, while nesting beaches are known, concrete evidence about feeding sites is still lacking).
  • Human Activities

    Question

    To what extent do human activities influence living resource quality and how are they changing?

    Why This Score?

    Selected activities have caused or are likely to cause substantial impacts, and cases to date suggest a pervasive problem.

    Basis of Judgement

    The effect of human activities on the quality of biological resources is not yet established, but models proposed for measuring the impact on fisheries in the Bay of La Paz have provided information. The preliminary conclusion from ten years of monitoring (1999–2009) in 130 Gulf of California sites is that the structure of the piscivore community has declined to about one-quarter of its previous level. There is no consistent evidence as of 2002 that the biomass taken by current fisheries has increased or decreased except for possible over-exploitation of species such as sharks, manta rays and groupers (garropas), which are captured in large numbers and are currently less evident. Large groupers (meros), for example, are no longer observed in the Bay of La Paz. Changes in fishery activities, previously oriented toward capturing large species and now focused on smaller species (triggerfish, damselfish, Mexican barred pargo), indicate that more fishing effort is being directed toward the red snapper (huachinango), even during its reproductive period, especially in the area around Espiritu Santo Island. Commercial fishing and ornamental fish have affected some invertebrate species, although other species, such as the sea cucumber and mother of pearl, have benefited from the protection measures implemented in this marine area. The situation for marine birds and piscivorous mammals is different than for [the larger] fish, since the food supply for the latter is not affected, given that small, pelagic fishes (sardines and anchovies) are not targeted in local fishing activities. The historic perception of various sectors (artisanal and sports fishermen and tourism service providers) suggests that the trend is toward smaller numbers of the species targeted by fishing activities, while for such species as squid, pearl oysters, sea urchins, orcas, sea lions and some turtles, their numbers are improving.

  • Question

    Why This Score?

    Basis of Judgement

Scorecards 1 to 10 were developed in 2007-2008. Scorecards 11 and 12 were developed in 2010.

Overview

The islands in the Espiritu Santo archipelago and the surrounding waters together form one of the Gulf of California sites with the greatest biodiversity and productivity. The extraordinary natural wealth and scenic beauty of this national park play a fundamental role in the economic activities in the city of La Paz, particularly in the fishing and tourism sectors. Although the islands are not permanently inhabited, they are visited by groups of commercial fishermen and various tourism companies that bring large numbers of national and foreign visitors. Also, every year various researchers conduct important studies in this area.

Located in the Bay of La Paz, this national park represents the largest body of water within the physiography of the Gulf of California. It thus has particular oceanographic conditions for the specific concentration of photosynthetic pigments that set it apart from the rest of the Gulf. A great biodiversity of fish, mammals, marine birds and invertebrates, 38 species of plants and animals that are not found anywhere else in the world inhabit the archipelago, along with a colony of sea lions. There are approximately 284 species of algae (red, green and brown), 24 percent of which are endemic to the Bay of La Paz, as well as a great diversity of habitats, including mangroves, sandy bottoms, rocky reefs, marshes, beaches, bays and rhodolith beds, which are characterized by a high degree of ecological integrity. This is a feeding and refuge site for various aquatic species that are representative of the Gulf of California’s extensive marine biodiversity, and a stopping place along the migratory routes of the hammerhead shark and five species of sea turtles, making this park an important national site. In addition, some important species included in risk categories specified in Mexican Official Standard NOM-059-Semarnat-2001 are found here.

Use of the archipelago dates back to pre-Hispanic times when the islands were inhabited by groups of Pericúe indigenous people, as evidenced by important archeological remains in the island complex. In the early 20th century, the first and most important aquatic center for the production of oyster pearls, developed by Gastón Vives, was established on Espiritu Santo Island.

In 2005 these islands and other natural protected areas of the Gulf of California were included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage of Humanity sites.

Fact Sheet

State(s) or Province(s): 
Baja California Sur
Category: 
National Park
Date Established: 
2007
Area (ha): 
48,654-83-10.41
Management Authority: 

Under review by the Conanp Legal Unit.

Corresponding Marine Ecoregion: 
Gulf of California
Corresponding Priority Conservation Area: 
Corredor Los Cabos/Loreto

Corresponding Marine Ecoregion

18. Gulf of California

Corresponding PCA

24. Corredor Los Cabos/Loreto