More than thirty conservation groups from around the globe are doing everything in their power to protect the cutest and most endangered marine mammal in the world.
The vaquita is the smallest cetacean in our oceans, only four to five feet long and weighing between sixty-five and one hundred twenty pounds.
It’s estimated that their entire population consists of less than one hundred mammals all residing in the upper end of the Gulf of California. In fact, the only way to count the number of vaquita in a given region is not by sight but to listen for their sounds underwater.
Photo credit: thewildlife.wbur.org
Due to commercial and illegal fishing practices, scientist claim that the entire population could be wiped out in just three years.
The commercial fishing season lasts from September to June. During this time, fishermen lower mesh-like gill nets into the water that span hundreds of miles of the vaquita habitat. Many vaquita become trapped in the invisible nets and drown.
Photo credit: National Geographic
The Mexican government has made efforts to help the vaquita. In 2005, millions of dollars were spend to create a refuge for the animals where fishing was banned. They increased law enforcement and helped the local fishermen change their practices.
However, the problem continues for reasons that are much more difficult to fight.
Fishermen use gill nets and illegally sweep the waters looking for another endangered fish called the totuaba. This sea bass’s bladder can be sold to Chinese markets for up to $5,000 per pound. As an unintended result, many vaquita become by-catch. Most of this fishing is done at night and controlled by cartels so it’s incredibly hard to monitor and control.
Photo credit: thewildlife.wbur.org
Conservationists and scientists continue to fight to save the vaquita and are urging the Mexican government to take more action in the matter. Although the situation is serious, many agree that there is time for the population to recover.
Source: thewildlife.wbur.org