To help prevent the extinction of the whitefish (Chirostoma estor), the Government of Michoacán recently released a total of 80,000 juveniles into the waters of Lake Pátzcuaro. This is the second time so far this year that juveniles of this species have been released into the lake; the first took place in June, with 40,000 specimens.
According to a statement cited by La Jornada, the government says that a total of 400,000 whitefish have been released into the lake during the current administration. In addition to strengthening the population of this endemic species, the strategy seeks to rehabilitate the aquatic ecosystem affected by drought and reactivate the economy of fishing communities in the region.
The juveniles are raised at the Urandén Ecological Reserve for Endemic Species. There, biologists and aquaculturists reproduce the species under controlled conditions to ensure greater adaptability before introducing them into the lake.
In the statement, the government says that 165,000 specimens have been released so far in 2026, while other media outlets report totals of up to 200,000. However, if the 40,000 from the first release and the 80,000 from this one are added together, the total is only 120,000, which would reduce the five-year total to less than 400,000.
The Threats Putting Whitefish at Risk in Michoacán
Authorities acknowledge that the path toward the full recovery of the whitefish faces significant challenges. The head of COMPESCA, Ramón Hernández Orozco, explained that currently only about 50% of the stocked juveniles survive.
Among the main threats to the species are water stress caused by drought, pollution resulting from the accumulation of sediment and wastewater, as well as the lack of regulation of whitefish fishing.
The whitefish not only serves as an indicator of the ecological health of Lake Pátzcuaro, but also represents a pillar of the identity of Purépecha communities. Its sustainable use directly benefits families of artisanal fishermen spread across 30 municipalities in Michoacán.
Source: xataka
