Vaquita – world’s smallest, elusive, distinct, critically endangered porpoise. Literally on it’s last fins. Vaquita have a restricted range of any marine cetacean. Only live in the northern end of Gulf of California, U.S.
Main threat to Vaquita is death by drowning in fishing gear. Vaquita has suffered from demand in China for swim bladder of Totoaba (cocaine of seas), a highly endangered fish that lives in Vaquita habitat.
Illegal fishing, trafficking have led to serious population losses for Vaquita, Totoaba. Vaquita die in nets set for sharks, rays, mackerels, shrimp trawl gear. Price of Totoaba swim bladder is exorbitantly high, organised crime takes control of fishing.
We could purchase sustainable seafood, raise awareness of plight of Vaquita, Totoaba. Only around a dozen Vaquita left in the world. Clock’s ticking for these…