The vaquita, a small porpoise found only in the Gulf of California, is on the brink of extinction.

There may be as few as eight of these animals left, The Guardian reports, and they cannot be captured, held, or bred in captivity. Unfortunately, the use of illegal gillnets to catch the totoaba fish, whose swim bladder is a delicacy in China, has caused many vaquitas to drown as well.

The Mexican government has been slow to respond to this crisis, promising action but failing to follow through, The Associated Press reports. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) recently called for a ban on trade with Mexico for products linked to sensitive species, as punishment for continued fishing in the vaquita protection zone, ABC News reports. However, this ban was lifted following an agreement with Mexico.

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While Mexico has promised to take action to protect the vaquita, including controlling the landing and launching zones for fishing boats, implementing alternative fishing techniques, and monitoring boats with a GPS system, experts remain skeptical. Many boats are still fishing illegally in the vaquita's habitat, and the government has failed to post regulatory or enforcement officers at docks and boat launch sites, reports the Center for Biological Diversity.

Without immediate action, the vaquita may soon disappear forever.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Rivera0997, License: CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED
The vaquita species is on the brink of extinction.

Threats to the Vaquita

The biggest threat to the vaquita is illegal gillnet fishing for the totoaba fish, which is considered a delicacy in China, The Guardian reports. The nets used to catch totoaba also trap and drown vaquitas. There are also reports of illegal shrimp fishing with illegal nets in the area, which further threatens the species.

Another significant threat is the loss of habitat, which occurs due to the degradation of the species' marine ecosystem. Industrialization and urbanization have led to habitat loss and reduced prey availability, leading to malnutrition and other health issues for the vaquitas.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC, License: Public Domain
The vaquita lives in the northern part of the Gulf of California.

Bringing a Species Back from the Brink of Extinction

Bringing a species back from the brink of extinction is a challenging task that requires the cooperation of multiple stakeholders, including the government, conservation organizations, local communities, and individuals. It often involves a complex mix of research, conservation efforts, education, and policy development.

However, once a species is critically endangered, it can be challenging to prevent its extinction, Mongabay reports. Factors such as the species’ reproductive cycle, habitat requirements, and natural enemies play a significant role. In the case of the vaquita, it cannot be captured, held, or bred in captivity, making conservation efforts even more challenging.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Paula Olson, NOAA, License: Public Domain
Habitat loss is another significant threat to vaquitas.

Steps Mexico Needs to Take to Save the Vaquita

Mexico’s Environment Department has promised to do more to protect the vaquita marina porpoise, Phys.org reports. The government has made several promises in the past, but failed to fulfill them, and even gone back on some previous pledges.

To save the vaquita from extinction, Mexico could take several steps, including:

1. Controlling Illegal Gillnet Fishing: Illegal gillnet fishing for the totoaba fish and other species threaten the vaquita's survival. This can be reduced by increasing patrols and imposing stricter penalties on those caught fishing illegally.
2. Implementing Alternative Fishing Techniques: Alternative fishing techniques that do not involve gillnet fishing, such as longlines and traps, are desperately needed.
3. Reducing Habitat Loss: Mexico could reduce habitat loss by implementing policies that protect the vaquita's marine ecosystem and reduce pollution and other human activities that affect the species.
4. Increasing Public Awareness: Public awareness campaigns can help raise awareness about the vaquita and its plight, leading to more support for conservation efforts.
5. Collaborating with Conservation Organizations: Collaboration with conservation organizations can help provide expertise and resources needed to protect the vaquita.

YouTube/Deep Marine Scenes
Mexico has promised to take action to protect vaquitas.

Ensuring a Safer and Healthier Future for All

Mexico’s promise to protect the vaquita is a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done to ensure the species' survival. The international community, including governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, must also step up to help save the vaquita.

Individuals can take action by supporting organizations that work to protect the vaquita, including Greater Good Charities and Project Peril. Donations to this program are crucial in supporting the rescue of vaquitas and sea lions entangled in nets and trash, help educate local fishers about the importance of safe fishing practices, and even take them on rescues to see firsthand the torture these animals go through. They can also raise awareness about the vaquita's plight by sharing information on social media, participating in rallies and protests, and contacting their elected officials to demand action.

YouTube/National Geographic
Bringing a species back from the brink of extinction is challenging.

The protection of the vaquita is not only important for the survival of the species itself but also for the health of the Gulf of California ecosystem. As both predator to smaller marine species and prey to sharks in their own habitat, vaquitas play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance in the food chain, Wild for Life reports. The loss of the vaquita could have far-reaching consequences for the entire ecosystem, including potential impacts on other species and even the local economy.

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The vaquita is currently on the brink of extinction, and urgent action is needed to save the species. While Mexico's recent promise to protect the vaquita is a positive step, much more needs to be done to ensure the species' survival. The international community must come together to support conservation efforts and pressure governments to enact and enforce laws that protect endangered species. By taking action now, we can help ensure a safer and healthier future for all.

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