What is PANGAS?

PANGAS is a collaborative research initiative, funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, with the goal of creating sustainable fisheries in the Northern Gulf of California. Three universities and three non-profit organizations work together to gather and synthesize the information needed for ecosystem-based management.

1. Characterize present day small-scale fisheries in the study area;
2. Develop an integrative approach for research and management of specific case studies of small-scale fisheries systems;
3. Engage key stakeholders and decision makers in the development and implementation of management recommendations;
4. Provide training for students, as well local fishers, in tools for ecosystem-based research, management, and conservation of marine resources.

Now, PANGAS is moving into its second phase, capitalizing on the wealth of knowledge and social capital gained during the first phase (2005-2008). PANGAS is honing in on species which represent the needs of rocky reefs with species-specific management plans. PANGAS is also laying the groundwork for the development of multi-species ecosystem-based management scenarios for three key areas of the northern Gulf (map):

• Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve
• San Pedro Mártir Island Biosphere Reserve
• Isla San Jorge-El Borrascoso Corridor

These scenarios will be developed under the framework of Planes de Ordenamiento Pesquero, a policy tool of Mexico’s new Fisheries Law.