Allow me to introduce you to the world's smallest porpoise, the Vaquita, Get acquainted with it quickly, because it's almost gone.
So cute! What is it?
The Vaquita is the smallest species of cetacean in the world. They grow to less than 5 ft in length, with females being slightly longer than males. They weigh up to 150lb; in other words, they are smaller than most human beings.
They breed only every two years, on average, and live to around 21. They are often spotted alone or in small family groups with a calf in their tiny Gulf of California range.
Why are they endangered?
From a not-exactly-huge population of around 600 in the mid-nineties, the Vaquita's population has shrunk to 10-20 individuals right now. The main reason for this is gillnets, long nets which hang straight down in the water to ensnare many different species. In the Vaquita's territory, these are supposed to catch a fish called totoaba for their highly prized swim bladders, but frequently entangle the Vaquitas instead. The nets are already illegal in the Vaquita's range, but fishermen continue to use them because of the vast sums of money they can make from the totoaba trade.
There are other threats, such as exposure to pollution, but advocates are nearly certain that the Vaquita could survive if the fishing stopped.
The Porpoise Conservation Society is leading the way in attempts to conserve the Vaquita. As well as research on the animals and their habitat, they raise awareness of the Vaquitas' perilous situation and educate people on how to help them.
You can support the Porpoise Conservation Society by donating or symbolically adopting a Vaquita, for which you will receive a virtual certificate and a place on their virtual recognition wall.
They also have a shop, where you can buy ultra-cute porpoise merchandise, which has the bonus of acting as a conversation starter, helping you to educate everyone you catch admiring your bag or t-shirt! Their merchandise is all made from organic cotton in a renewably-powered factory, so you don't have to compromise on your environmental beliefs either. I've just ordered this t-shirt (you can click on the link to see the rest of the range).
In addition, you can sign their petition, addressed to the Mexican Government. This calls for increased action to save the Vaquita by enforcing the already-present ban. You can sign online here:
You can also download PDF copies to collect signatures from people in the community.
Another organisation that aims to save the Vaquita is Viva Vaquita. You can donate to them via their website. They also have some great downloadable resources; my favourite is children's colouring books in English, Spanish and Chinese.
Take a look at your own habits, too. If you buy seafood, try to make sure it's sustainable. It's not only Vaquitas who get caught up in gillnets, and the Marine Stewardship Council can help you to find out how to avoid unnecessarily harming sea life while still enjoying seafood.
Finally, look out for the announcement of International Save the Vaquita Day 2025. It's on a different date each year, and events have been mostly online since COVID, but it's a fantastic day to raise awareness and learn about Vaquitas. You can watch videos from previous years here:
If we act now, conservationists are confident we can still save the Vaquita!
Sources
Gillnet Fishing - The Marine Stewardship Society
Vaquitas, Species Profile - The Porpoise Conservation Society
I hope you found this piece on the Vaquita interesting. Let me know what you thought in the comments!
If you are interested in animal welfare issues, you may also want to read:
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Comments (4)
The first time I heard of such a fish. Very informative. I hope they can be save
Signed! What beautiful creatures! I didn't know they existed and how terribly sad that they're endangered! Thanks for spreading awareness, Spinstress!
Very informative <3 I signed the petition
I've signed the petition. I had no idea they were so severely endangered. Also, what are swim bladders?