The world’s smallest cetacean lives in the Upper Gulf of California. The Vaquita Porpoise (Phocoena sinus) is just 1.50 meters long and weighs about 50 kilos. The difference in size is remarkable compared to other marine mammals: it would take 500 adult Mexican porpoises to match the weight of a single Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus).
Unfortunately, this enigmatic marine mammal is facing the highest level of extinction threat. In 2019, a survey conducted identified only 10 specimens in the wild (including three calves). Last time they were seen was in November 2020.
Without a doubt, our country has in its hands a double challenge: in the first hand, to stop the fatal decline of the Vaquita, and secondly, to achieve its recovery. This challenge involves both the Mexican government and the fishing sector, Mexican and U.S. civil organizations, educational and research institutions and, of course, the entire population of northwestern Mexico.
The Vaquita is a by-catch victim of the illegal fishery for Totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi), a fish protected by Mexican law, whose swim bladder fetches exorbitant prices in the Asian market. The use of gillnets, lethal for both totoaba and vaquita, is banned in the Upper Gulf of California, nonetheless this practice persists in illegal fishing.
At Pronatura Noroeste we work alongside the government and other regional entities to ensure the effective protection of this species. Since 2013 we have been collaborating with fishermen and producers in the Upper Gulf to encourage the use of fishing gear that does not threaten the vaquita’s survival. We promote the use of traps and lines with hooks to catch scale fish, which are harmless fishing techniques for the Mexican porpoise.
We also designed and promoted the use of the “Vaquita Friendly” seal, which certifies fisheries that use fishing gear that does not endanger this species. This includes the removal of abandoned nets in the Vaquita’s habitat.
Another important project was the creation of the collective brand San Felipe Fish and Seafood, aimed at promoting sales of sustainable fish production, with the Vaquita Friendly Certification, in green, gourmet or premium markets. In addition to strengthening Vaquita´s protection actions, this represents a benefit for participating fishermen in San Felipe, Baja California.
The Vaquita is in our waters, and in our hands. We shall not, under any circumstances, allow the Vaquita to become extinct due to our passivity. At Pronatura Noroeste we have a clear objective: the world’s smallest cetacean will have a future if we consolidate a culture of sustainable fishing and legality in the region, in accordance to the rule of law.
Support Vaquita protection activities. Be part of this battle for life and the natural ecosystems of Northwest Mexico.
