The rich and unique flora and fauna of Baja California's islands is recognized by the Mexican government, and has attracted the attention of international conservation agencies and groups, who say that these islands are critical for the conservation of biological diversity. The islands support marine mammals, fisheries, seabirds, turtles, and endemic species, which are species found nowhere else in the world. The islands have long been protected from human impacts by their isolation from the mainland and their arid conditions. But in recent years, threats and impacts to the islands have greatly increased. The mainland human population has increased dramatically, and so has use of the region's islands by people.
Humans live on the islands, make fishermen's camps, and visit as tourists.
These activities disturb seabird, marine mammal, and turtle nesting areas breeding colonies, and damage native vegetation. Island ecosystems evolved in the absence of large predators and herbivores. As a result, they have few defenses against the impacts of introduced predators and herbivores. In recent years, the Mexican government and international private groups have begun removing introduced mammals and taking other actions to protect the islands. Most of the islands are owned by the Mexican government and are part of a recently established system of natural reserves.