The vaquita is the most endangered marine mammal species in the world, as it is thought that only 10 individuals remain. The remaining vaquitas calls the Gulf of California in Mexico home. This porpoise was not discovered until 1958 and now a little more than half a century later, we are on the brink of losing them forever.
Vaquitas have small, chunky, grey bodies with pale sides and a white belly. They have relatively larger dorsal fins than most other porpoises. These larger dorsal fins are thought to help them dissipate heat as they live in much warmer waters than other porpoises. They also have round black patch around their eyes and lips. The black patches around their lips make them look like they are smiling. Vaquitas can grow to be close to 1.5 meters long.
Some scientists think that their unique facial markings play a role in helping them hunt food, which they do using echolocation. This is a technique used by lots of whales, dolphins and porpoises and involves making high pitched clicks that bounce off objects around them. The sound that comes back gives the vaquita information that helps them decide if it’s dinner or not.
Why they are endangered ?
Unsustainable and illegal fishing practices are the main drivers pushing vaquita to extinction, particularly due to bycatch from illegal fishing. Vaquitas share waters with the much sought-after totoaba fish and fishing nets inadvertently catch and drown the porpoise. Demand for totoaba swim bladders – believed to cure a variety of illness and diseases in Chinese medicine- is driving the vaquita to extinction. The swim bladders are often illegally smuggled over the US border and then shipped to China where it can sell up to USD 8,500 per kilogram in the black market.
To help save the vaquita we can;
1. Spread awareness about them and the situation that they currently face.
2. Sign this petition.
3. Shop for sustainable seafood. Entanglement in fishing nets is the main factor driving the vaquita to extinction. You can help out by making sustainable choices when buying seafood.
4. Avoid Mexican Shrimp
5. Tell the Mexican government to step up its actions! Mexico needs to hear from you. You can contact the Mexican president and ask him to step up efforts to conserve the species. Send your letter to: Presidente Andrés Manuel López Obrador Residencia oficial de Los Pinos, Molino del Rey s/n, Col. San Miguel Chapultepec, Distrito Federal. C.P. 11850
6. And Donate for their cause and conservation efforts. You can donate for their cause here.
Write-up and Art by Ishaan Shrimali
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