Vaquita

About the Vaquita

The most endangered marine mammal in the world - fewer than 10 remain. They are the smallest porpoise, reaching only 1.5 meters. They were only discovered in 1958. They are killed as bycatch in illegal gillnet fishing for totoaba, whose swim bladder sells for $50,000 per kg in China. Mexico has banned gillnets in their habitat but enforcement is poor. They are found only in a 2,300 sq km area. They are shy and avoid boats. They have dark rings around their eyes that look like mascara. Without immediate action, they will be extinct within a few years.