According to a recent scientific survey of the vaquita species, the world’s most endangered marine mammal, this small porpoise is still holding on and benefiting from new conservation measures. The survey, conducted by an international team of scientists, estimated that at least 10 vaquitas are still present in the Gulf of California, which is the only place where they are found. Vaquitas have been driven to the verge of extinction by drowning in gill nets, a fishing gear that catches fish by their gills, as well as causing dolphins, sea turtles and vaquitas to get stuck. The new report suggests that gillnetting has decreased by over 90% in the zero-tolerance area, where fishing is prohibited, as a result of the Mexican Navy’s new approach of collaborating with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, and also placing 193 concrete blocks with protruding hooks to entangle gill nets. However, the report recommends expanding the use of these concrete blocks in order to bolster the conservation measures. Furthermore, the use of gill nets remains prevalent in nearby areas, adding to the challenge of saving the species. The search for alternative fishing gear that is effective for both vaquitas and fishers may be difficult but remains crucial for the species to survive. Mexico has been facing international pressure to enforce gill net fishing bans throughout the area where the vaquita species lives. The report stressed that preserving the species by putting some number into captivity is not a viable option as past efforts have failed. The vaquita species is still highly endangered, but the latest survey revealed that it is doing better than anticipated, giving a chance to secure its survival if Mexico can get it right.
