Vaquita the World's most endangered marine mammal

The vaquita is the world's smallest cetacean (5 feet long)  and occupies the smallest geographic range of any marine mammal.  Nearly the entire population lives within a 900 square mile area. With the recent extinction of the Yangtze River dolphin, the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), also known as the Gulf of California's harbor porpoise, now becomes the world's most critically edangered marine mammal, with about 150 animal remaining.  

Only immediate action by the Mexican government, aided by technical and economic support from the international community will prevent the vaquita from going extinct.

RECENT UPDATES - NEW PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

The problem
The main threat to vaquita's survival is accidental drowning in fishing nets.  Much of the fish and shrimp caught in these nets is exported to the United States or eaten by US tourists in Mexican restaurants.

Under current fishing practices it is estimated that 40 vaquita are killed each year in nets. This number far exceeds the number of calves that are produced by the remaining animals.  Vaquita are likely only two years away from declining to a level where extinction may be inevitable.

Vaquitas usually occur in small groups of 1-3 individuals.  It is a shy and elusive species, which, coupled with it small body size makes it difficult to observe in the wild.  

Solutions
Saving vaquita is still possible, and the solution is straightforward:  all the fishing nets form within its range must come out of the water immediately.  A total net ban, however, will have a significant socioeconomic impact on the local fishing communities.  Funds will be needed to compensate for economics losses, to support the transition of fishing families into different livelihoods, and to help with the introduction of alternative fishing methods that do not threaten vaquita survival.  There must be adequate oversight to ensure that all entangling nets are permanently removed from the vaquita habitat.

Saving vaquita will require concerted political action within Mexico along with financial support of the international community.  Determination and cooperation is crucial for advancing conservation actions that the Mexican government has already begun in order to preserve this national icon.

UPDATE

Vaquita Expedition
NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center is now conducting a two month research cruise involving three ships and acoustic and visual monitoring. Weekly reports from each vessel will be posted... Check for updates (available in English and Spanish)
 

Read the blog and see new videos and photos of the Vaquita!
Visit  whaletrackers.com

For More Information

Vaquita Marina 

Vanishing Vaquita Video  (from the San Diego Union Tribune)

PARTICIPATING SCIENTISTS 

Contact Lead Scientist:  Sarah Mesnick for updates.
US Chief Scientist:  Barbara L. Taylor
Mexico Chief Scientist:  Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho