The critically endangered vaquita porpoise is on the verge of extinction. In just 27 years, the marine mammal’s population plummeted from 600 in 1997 to fewer than 10 today . The culprit — illegal gill net fishing in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.
Las vaquitas are shy, elusive cetaceans whose name translates as “little cows” in Spanish. The moniker was given to them because of the dark rings around their eyes and calm, docile nature. They only live in one place on earth — the biologically diverse body of water nestled between Baja California and mainland Mexico.
Las vaquitas top 4-5 feet in length. Scientists estimate there are only 6-8 of them left on the planet. Unfortunately, demand from China often drives local fishermen to use illegal gill nets to increase their daily haul, and the vaquitas can’t fall through the cracks.
The dire situation prompted the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to again pressure Mexico to save the critically endangered species from extinction. The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is one of the most biodiverse bodies of water on the planet. It’s home to some 900 species of fish, and roughly one third of the world’s marine mammals.
Many, like vaquitas, can’t be found anywhere else on the earth. What’s Causing the Decline of La Vaquita? At the heart of the issue is the booming illegal trade of “totoaba,” a large fish endemic to the Gulf of California. Totoaba swim bladders’ purported health benefits contribute .