The vaquita marina is a critically endangered porpoise species that lives only in the northern part of the Gulf of California. Scientists believe the population may be down to just 30 animals.

The vaquita marina is a critically endangered porpoise species that lives only in the northern part of the Gulf of California. Scientists believe the population may be down to just 30 animals.

Credit:

Vaquita photo taken under permit (Oficio No. DR/488/08) from the Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT), within a natural protected area subject to special management and decreed as such by the Mexican Government.

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Tito Monrroy and his son Rigoberto are lifelong fishermen in Mexico’s Gulf of California but restrictions to protect endangered species have made it difficult for them to get permits. The younger Monrroy now works at a fruit market. Others in and around t

Tito Monrroy and his son Rigoberto are lifelong fishermen in Mexico’s Gulf of California but restrictions to protect endangered species have made it difficult for them to get permits. The younger Monrroy now works at a fruit market. Others in and around the town of Puerto Peñasco say they often have no choice but to fish illegally for the totoaba, putting the vaquita marina at risk.

Credit:

 Mónica Ortiz Uribe

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Puerto PeñascoNorth AmericaMexicoPeggy TurkMarcos Garciavaquita marinaMarine mammalsextinctionwildlifemarine conservationconservationocean conservation