On the Edge: Vaquita

Article by Nuriah Sophie Helms (20.02.2025)

THE VAQUITA (Phocoena sinusj)

What would it feel like to witness the extinction of an entire species?

With fewer than 10 individuals left in the wild, the vaquita—a tiny porpoise native to Mexico's Gulf of California—may soon vanish forever.

But what exactly is the vaquita? It is the world’s rarest marine mammal, first discovered in 1958 when scientists found skulls of an unknown porpoise species along the shores of the Gulf of California. Initially, researchers were unsure of what species these remains belonged to, as no living specimens had been documented. It wasn’t until 1985—almost three decades later—that scientists were able to observe and study live vaquitas in their natural habitat. Their elusive nature, small population, and preference for murky, shallow waters made them difficult to find. Even today, they are rarely seen in the wild, with most information about them coming from stranded individuals or accidental captures in fishing nets.

The vaquita is one of the smallest cetaceans, measuring about 1.5 meters (5 feet) long and weighing up to 55 kg (120 lbs). But don’t underestimate them—their small size does not compromise their strength.

They have been given the nickname "Panda of the Sea", as they display a black lip liner just skirting the edges of its mouth. Its eyes are cradled in circular black holes, hence "Panda of the Sea". Vaquitas are generally seen alone or in pairs, often with a calf.

A Catastrophic Decline

The status of the vaquita and its catastrophic race toward extinction has been well-documented over the past 20 years by the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (CIRVA), a body of international experts in cetacean studies. In 1999, CIRVA estimated a population of 567 individuals, based on surveys conducted in 1997. By 2012, the population had plummeted to just 200 animals.

In 2014, CIRVA issued a stark warning that the species was in imminent danger of extinction, having been reduced to fewer than 100 individuals, with just 25 reproductively mature females. The situation worsened rapidly, and in 2019, CIRVA’s eleventh report estimated that only around 10 vaquitas remained—with a 95% certainty that the number was between six and 19. This represents a 98.6% population decline since 2011, a devastating blow to a species already on the brink.

The Greatest Threat: Gillnets and the Illegal Totoaba Trade

Scientists have warned for more than two decades that the survival of the vaquita was dependent on eliminating bycatch in gillnets and other entangling nets. Gillnets are the greatest threat to these almost mystical creatures. These nets are nearly invisible underwater and designed to trap fish by their gills, but they don’t discriminate. Vaquitas, unable to escape once entangled, drown within minutes. Despite bans, these nets continue to plague the Gulf of California.

The demand for gillnets largely comes from the illegal fishing of the totoaba (although, it is also used to catch fish and shrimp legally), a fish whose swim bladder is highly prized in China, where it is believed to have medicinal properties. The totoaba’s swim bladder is highly valued in China and is believed to have medicinal properties. This demand has created a black market trade, with a single totoaba bladder selling for tens of thousands of dollars. As a result, poachers continue to fish illegally, and the vaquita remains collateral damage.

CITES Conference and Mexico’s Enforcement Failures

At the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 2016, world leaders agreed on a series of measures aimed at tackling the illegal fishing and trade of totoaba to protect the vaquita. Despite these efforts, no significant improvements were made over two and a half years later.

The illegal totoaba trade has continued to grow, with organized criminal networks thriving due to Mexico’s failure to crack down on poaching. According to experts, this lack of enforcement is “systemic, long-standing, and deeply entrenched.”

Totoaba fishing has been banned since 1975, and in 1977, the species was placed on CITES Appendix I, banning all international trade. Yet, despite an emergency gillnet ban in 2015, the vaquita population declined by 48% in 2017 and another 47% in 2018.

Enforcement efforts in the Upper Gulf of California have been largely ineffective. CIRVA’s latest report noted a clear increase in illegal fishing for totoaba, based on the number of illegal gillnets removed from the area. In 2018, 659 pieces of fishing gear were confiscated, most of which were actively being used for totoaba fishing. This presents a direct overlap with the vaquita habitat, further pushing the species toward extinction.

Shockingly, enforcement teams attempting to remove illegal nets have faced violent attacks from poachers, making it even harder to protect the last remaining vaquitas. Conservation groups like Sea Shepherd have been at the frontline, but the constant threat of violence from illegal fishers has significantly hindered efforts.

Failed Conservation Efforts

Despite international attention and multiple conservation initiatives, efforts to save the vaquita have largely failed. The Mexican government has banned gillnets and declared the vaquita’s habitat a marine protected area, yet illegal fishing persists.

Fishermen—many of whom rely on fishing for their livelihood—have protested restrictions, claiming they are being unfairly punished for a problem fueled by international demand. Meanwhile, cartels and black-market traders continue to profit from the totoaba trade.

Attempts to capture and breed vaquitas in captivity have also been unsuccessful. In 2017, scientists launched an emergency conservation project to rescue vaquitas and relocate them to a protected environment. However, the plan was abandoned after a captured vaquita died from stress, demonstrating the fragility of the species and the difficulty of intervention.

Why the Vaquita Matters

I’m sure you’re asking the question: why should we care about the extinction of a small porpoise most people have never seen?

The vaquita is more than just a rare species—it is a symbol of a larger environmental crisis. The loss of the vaquita would disrupt the delicate balance of the Gulf of California’s ecosystem. Moreover, if we allow the vaquita to disappear, it raises the question: What other species will be next?

What can YOU do?

Despite the dire situation, there is still hope—and you can be part of the solution. One of the most impactful ways to support vaquita conservation is through symbolic adoption.

By making a donation, you provide critical support for ongoing efforts to study, protect, and preserve not only the vaquita but also other vulnerable porpoise species and their habitats.

Further donation links:

https://nmmf.org/donate/

https://seashepherd.org/donate/

https://give.marinemammalcenter.org/a/save-our-seals?img=HMS&ms=vaquita

Sources:

Environmental Investigation Agency. "Collateral Damage: How Illegal Trade in Totoaba Swim Bladders Is Driving the Vaquita to Extinction." 2016, https://reports.eia-international.org/savethevaquita/.

National Marine Mammal Foundation. "Vaquita Conservation." https://nmmf.org/our-work/conservation-medicine/vaquita-conservation/.

Porpoise Conservation Society. "Dual Extinction: The Illegal Trade in the Endangered Totoaba and Its Impact on the Critically Endangered Vaquita." https://porpoise.org/library/dual-extinction-the-illegal-trade-in-the-endangered-totoaba-and-its-impact-on-the-critically-endangered-vaquita/.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. "Hope for the Vaquita in 2024." 28 Dec. 2023, https://seashepherd.org/2023/12/28/hope-for-2024/.

https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/animal-care/learn-about-marine-mammals/cetaceans/vaquita

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