About Us

The Socorro Island/Revillagigedos Conservation Fund came about through the efforts of scuba divers and environmentalists dedicated to preserving this unique biosphere. The Fund is a direct action plan formulated by a group of passionate Mexican divers in cooperation with CONANP, Comision Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas - Natural Commission of Protected Areas and with the assistance of the Nautilus Explorer and the Solmar V dive boats. The Nautilus Explorer and the Solmar V provide scuba diving charters to the islands for several months out of the year. Over many years their owners have hosted environmentalists, marine biologists, photographers, and activists. CONANP is a Mexican organization that recognizes and protects the country’s natural areas. These protected natural areas receive some funding from the Mexican government.

The Socorro Island/Revillagigedos Conservation Fund is a donor-advised fund at the International Community Foundation in San Diego, a fully tax-exempt 501c3 public charity in the U.S.  Socorro Island is one of four beautiful and remote islands in the Revillagigedo Archipelago located 250 miles out in open ocean due south of Cabo San Lucas in Baja California, Mexico. The islands are a protected biosphere reserve and sanctuary under Mexican law, home to a population of sharks, dolphins, turtles, more than 200 giant manta rays, and a winter population of 1200 humpback whales. The area, however, is under immense pressure from illegal shark fishermen on the marine side and non-endemic species on the terrestrial side.

The immediate goal of the Socorro Conservation Fund is to assist the Mexican government’s effort to survey and detect illegal fishing activities. In the recent past, Fund members have provided information to Mexican authorities regarding poaching activity in the islands which have resulted in five successful prosecutions in Mexican courts. It is hoped that if it can be proven to poachers that these islands are being watched, it may be possible to save the biosphere from the destruction that it currently faces.

For further information:
info@nautilusexplorer.com
01-604-657-7614
PO Box 97182
Richmond Main Post Office
Richmond B.C., Canada
V6H 8H3