The world's smallest porpoise - Mexico's endangered vaquita marina - is dipping to extremely low levels that put the species at the risk of extinction unless preventative measures are taken. Experts say that as of December 2015, only around 60 of the cute but elusive creatures were left in the upper Gulf of California, the only known region were the vaquitas exist.
"I believe that it is still possible to save the vaquita, but this is clearly our last chance," said Omar Vidal, CEO of World Wildlife Foundation - Mexico. "The Mexican, U.S. and Chinese governments need to take urgent and coordinated action to stop the illegal fishing, trafficking and consumption of totoaba products. In the end, if the vaquita goes extinct it would inevitably be a shared responsibility of the three countries."
The primary reason for the vaquitas dipping numbers is gillnet fishing for the totoaba fish, another endangered species that resides in the same area and is caught for its swim bladder that is enjoyed as a delicacy in China. In the process of fishing for the totoaba, fishers inadvertently catch and drown vaquitas.
"For years, WWF has supported efforts to save the vaquita by working with the Mexican and U.S. governments, local fishing communities, and other partners to implement sustainable fishing options," Vidal said. "We will continue to do all we can to save this unique porpoise. Despite all the best efforts, we are losing the battle to stop totoaba fishing and save the vaquita."
Even since the recent numbers were released, which date to December, three vaquitas were found dead during the span of just three weeks in March, prompting some to consider the possibility that their numbers are even lower than we think.
"Finding three vaquitas in three weeks is finding one dead vaquita per week," said Oona Layolle of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. "If we look at the rate the vaquita population has been killed and the intensity of illegal activity at night, there are very likely fewer than 30 vaquita left. If we continue losing the vaquita at this rate it will be extinct by this coming December."
Although gillnetting is currently banned in an attempt to help the species regain its numbers, experts believe that if it resumes after the two-year ban, the vaquita could be extinct as early as 2022.
