MARIA RENéE JOHNSON

Respeta las Vedas depicts the closed fishing seasons for eight marine species commonly caught and consumed in Bahía de Kino. The rays of sunlight create a twelve-month calendar with the seasonal closures for each species, typically during their reproductive seasons. Ensuring they are protected during these vulnerable times is imperative to the long-term health of these species as well as the marine ecosystem as a whole. The concept for this mural was envisioned by the Grupo de Líderes, a group of nine community leaders who all facilitate environmental conservation projects in the region. These projects include Grupo Tortuguero, CREDESPA, Monitoreo de Calidad de Agua, Esquelita del Mar, Eco Educadores, Padres Unidos, Los Jóvenes Delfines, EcoPescadores, and Grupo Limpieza Submarina. Many hands from the community helped paint this mural and many stories about the vibrancy of the biodiversity, community, and connection to this place were shared in the process. It is our hope that this mural helps inspire care and stewardship of the marine ecosystem for many future generations.    Bahía de Kino, Sonora, México.