CEDO develops and implements actions to contribute to sustainable fisheries, conservation and recovery of species, important habitats and key ecological processes. Current projects and activities include monitoring of fisheries (catch, bycatch and fishing effort) with participation of fishing communities (Peñasco Corridor) and use of videotechology (Gulf of Ulloa for sea turtle monitoring). In the Upper Gulf Reserve onboard monitoring programs were conducted as part of an Environmental Impact Study implemented in collaboration with small scale fishermen from 2010 to 2014, mitigating impacts to the ecosystem, fisheries and key elements of biodiversity. The Upper Gulf program is Involving fishers in use of alternative gear to reduce overall bycatch, including key species such as vaquita and totoaba and seeks to connect responsible fishers and sustainable fisheries to market incentives.
CEDO works with local communities to protect biodiversity by increasing awareness, monitoring resources and establishing conservation tools to protect species and habitats. Flagship species such as least tern, sea lions, sea turtles, vaquita and totoaba have been the focus of this program, but also sharks, sea gulls, seahorses and other species are important. Priority ecosystems include wetlands and estuaries, and rocky intertidal and subtidal habitats.