U.S. Customs and Border Protection Sieze $1 Million Worth of Endangered Fish… Yes, Fish!

When we think of the U.S. Customs Border Patrol, our minds typically go to drugs or gun seizures. However, in instances like the one below, we see that endangered fish are also a part of their job. And in Arizona, they completed the second biggest seizure in that state to date!

Endangered Fish Siezed in Arizona

Just yesterday, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in Arizona completed their second-largest seizure in Arizona surrounding endangered fish. This fish is known as the totoaba, otherwise known as the totuava. They are also referred to as the “cocaine of the sea.” 

The main discussion around these animals is just how expensive and sought after they are. “This fish is a large, and extremely expensive rare fish that lives only in the Gulf of California. The fish sells between $20,000 and $80,000 per kilogram, but its bladder is the most sought after.”

To give even further than this, the total amount of 91 totoaba swim bladders weighed 109 pounds. Which customs assumed would go anywhere between $910,000 to $1,365,000 on the black market.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection adds, “Totoaba fish have been listed as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act since 1979. The swim bladders of this species and other similar species worldwide are prized in traditional Chinese medicine and as an Asian cultural delicacy. Because the species is federally protected, in both the U.S. and Mexico, it is illegal to take, possess, transport, or sell totoaba.”

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where a single bladder in the United States might go for $5,000 on the black market, in some other countries, it can go for double that price. For example, in some Asian countries, this same tonoaba swim bladder will go for $10,000 on the black market. 

What Other Fish Are Endangered?

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, they have compiled a list of over 140 species of fish that are considered to be endangered. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Under the Endangered Species Act, a species is considered “endangered” if it is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A species is considered “threatened” if it is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.” 

Here is the following list of the endangered fish in Arizona.