In the Gulf of California, off the coast of Mexico, a small number of vaquitas remain, making them the rarest porpoise species on the planet. Once thriving in the thousands, only around 10 of these endangered cetaceans are believed to exist today. The vaquita, discovered in 1958, now teeters on the edge of extinction, begging the question of what has led to this perilous decline and whether there is a chance to preserve the species. Let’s delve into what we know about vaquitas and the ongoing efforts to rejuvenate their diminishing population.
The vaquita, whose name means “little cow” in Spanish, stands out with its distinctive dark markings around the eyes and lips. Measuring about five feet in length, these porpoises have round heads and lack beaks. Despite their unique appearance, vaquitas are elusive creatures, unlike dolphins that commonly approach boats out of curiosity. Vaquitas tend to avoid human presence, swimming away when encountered. Initially identified in 1958 through the discovery of vaquita skulls washed ashore, these creatures have proven challenging for scientists to study due to their reclusive behavior. Typically solitary or found in pairs, vaquitas feed on crustaceans and small fish, with females giving birth to a single calf every other year, contributing to their slow reproductive rate, hindering population growth.
Restricted to the northern region of the Gulf of California, vaquitas reside in a small habitat nestled between the Baja Peninsula and the mainland. The majority of the remaining vaquitas are concentrated east of San Felipe, Mexico, within this limited territory. The vaquita population has significantly dwindled over the years, with an estimated decline of 98% since the first survey in 1997, which reported around 567 individuals. Today, with fewer than 10 vaquitas left, the species is categorized as critically endangered.
While vaquitas are not directly targeted for hunting, they face a grave threat from fishing activities. Collateral damage from gillnet fishing, primarily aimed at catching the endangered totoaba, shrimp, and other fish, poses a significant risk to vaquitas. Gillnets, designed to entrap fish by allowing their heads to pass through while getting caught by the body, pose a lethal hazard for vaquitas when not set up correctly. Consequently, vaquitas inadvertently become entangled in these nets, further exacerbating their already dwindling numbers.
Vaquitas are getting trapped in gillnets meant for other marine animals and are perishing before they can be freed. The question looms: Is it too late to save the vaquita? Despite gillnet fishing being officially banned in the northern part of the Gulf of California, where the vaquita reside, reports from The New York Times indicate that illegal gillnet fishing, particularly targeting the totoaba, continues unchecked in the area, posing a grave threat to the vaquitas.
The summer of 2024 yielded a disheartening survey result, with only six to eight vaquitas identified, hinting at a critically endangered status. However, researchers speculate that more vaquitas may exist beyond the surveyed region. Disturbingly, vaquitas are susceptible to entanglement in gillnets of all sizes, whether meant for small shrimp or the larger totoaba. Urgent action is required to enforce the gillnet fishing ban within the vaquitas’ habitat in the Gulf of California, as long as gillnets persist, the few surviving vaquitas remain in jeopardy.
Efforts to revive the vaquita population are underway, with researchers noting signs of reproduction among the dwindling numbers. Acoustic monitoring is being utilized to track potential vaquita movements outside their known range, suggesting a need to expand the protected area. In a bid to eradicate gillnet usage, fishermen are being offered alternative, equally effective fishing gear to sustain their livelihoods while safeguarding the vaquita. Mexico’s National Commission of Protected Natural Areas plans to conduct training sessions for fishermen on adopting these less harmful methods.
To aid in the conservation of endangered marine species, sourcing sustainable seafood from responsible fisheries is crucial. For those looking to contribute, donations to organizations like the Porpoise Conservation Society can support vaquita conservation initiatives. Furthermore, advocating for stricter enforcement of gillnet fishing bans by reaching out to elected officials can help prevent the extinction of vaquitas. Past instances have shown that political pressure can prompt Mexico to enhance conservation efforts, potentially securing a future for the remaining vaquitas.
