Wild Vaquita Porpoise Critical Emergency

The vaquita is the world most critically endangered marine mammal, with fewer than 10 individuals remaining and illegal gillnetting as the proximate cause of its imminent extinction.

Key Facts

Fewer than 10 vaquitas remain as of recent surveys in the northern Gulf of California
Illegal gillnetting for the totoaba fish, whose swim bladder is sold in China, is the primary cause of death
Despite a gillnet ban, illegal fishing continues with insufficient enforcement
A 2017 rescue attempt to keep vaquitas in captivity failed when the only captured animal died
Each vaquita death from gillnet entanglement may represent the loss of 10% of the remaining population

Welfare Considerations

Vaquitas drowned in gillnets experience drowning distress in air-breathing mammals that cannot surface. Given that each individual represents 10% or more of the global population, the welfare of individuals is inseparable from the conservation of the species. The failure of rescue attempts indicates that captive welfare is not achievable for this species. The only welfare intervention remaining is preventing gillnet deaths in the small remaining habitat area through enforcement.

What You Can Do

Support Sea Shepherd and other organisations working on vaquita protection in the Gulf of California
Advocate for stronger enforcement against illegal gillnetting in the vaquita refuge area
Reduce demand for totoaba swim bladder products through consumer awareness
Support sustainable seafood certification that excludes illegally caught Mexican seafood
Raise emergency awareness about the vaquita as the most critically endangered marine mammal