Fusion brings us this excellent, if saddening look at the effects of over-fishing in the Sea of Cortez. The area, which rests between the Baja California Peninsula and the Mexican mainland, also known as the Gulf of California (see the map below), was once hailed for its biodiversity and the sheer amount of fish and wildlife under its waves.

No longer.

Fusion’s Environmental Correspondent, Nicolas Ibargue, went to the area to discover that the fish population is in free fall. Down to just 10 percent of their original numbers, in fact. He also found, that despite conventional wisdom, the area’s fishermen welcomed the conservation efforts of environmentalists.

But there’s hope.

Conservation efforts are underway. Watch to see how the region’s “no take” zones are home to a thriving underwater ecosystems (and playful sea lions) and what is hopefully a preview of how the “Aquarium of the World” will one day bounce back.

H/T @Sandraramosf