The vaquita porpoise<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe vaquita might be the most endangered animal you\u2019ve never heard of. This species of porpoise is only found in the Upper Gulf of California, just off the coast of Mexico. It is the smallest species of porpoise, recognizable by the dark rings around its eyes and lips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By most estimates, there are only 10 vaquita left on Earth. This incredible species is under threat from illegal fishing in the Vaquita Refuge, a federally protected area. The nets aren\u2019t placed to catch vaquita, but they are a casualty of poaching for more valuable species in the area. Porpoises can\u2019t breathe underwater, so if they get tangled in a gillnet while looking for food, they can drown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This isn\u2019t the first attempt to protect the vaquita. The Refuge was created in 2005 to slow their decline, but because of insufficient patrols, poaching in the area continued. There were even attempts by other conservation organizations to catch them and establish a captive breeding population, but vaquita can\u2019t survive in captivity. The only solution was to preserve their habitat, as Sea Shepherd had worked towards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/lexreceptionblog\/1\/2021\/10\/vaquita-sighting-1024x640.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo credit: Sea Shepherd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSea Shepherd<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSea Shepherd is a non-profit conservation organization committed to fighting threats to all marine species. By working with international law enforcement and national governments, they confront illegal activity at sea and cross oceans to protect wildlife in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not easy protecting ocean creatures. The distances are vast, and the intersection of international and national laws makes it tough to catch people looking to profit at the expense of wildlife and ecosystems. Sea Shepherd has a fleet of 12 vessels which allows them to defend the seas with direct action campaigns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cOur presence in the Upper Gulf is more urgent than ever due to the precariously low number of vaquitas left. Every gillnet removed is a weapon disarmed, giving hope that the vaquita can be saved in this race against extinction.\u201d<\/p>\nPeter Hammarstedt, Director of Campaigns for Sea Shepherd<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nA future for vaquita?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOperation Milagro (meaning miracle) is the Sea Shepherd solution. Working with the Mexican government, six Sea Shepherd vessels identify and retrieve illegal nets throughout the Vaquita Refuge. They have removed over 1000 nets and other fishing gear from the area and rescued thousands of animals caught in them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the vaquita\u2019s situation is dire, hope is not lost. Ten individuals are enough for the species to bounce back, if they are protected as their calves are born. That\u2019s why we can make a difference right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/lexreceptionblog\/1\/2021\/10\/vaquita-protection-sea-shepherd-1024x640.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo credit: Robbie Newby, Sea Shepherd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow can I support the vaquita?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTo support Sea Shepherd\u2019s work protecting the remaining vaquita, donations<\/strong><\/a> allow them to get their staff on the boats taking action where it is needed. It also helps to fund technology that scans and locates illegal nets, making sure these are removed as quickly as possible to prevent harm. <\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can also share the vaquita\u2019s story and make sure everyone knows about this incredible animal we are so close to losing forever. Watch the documentary about the vaquita, Sea of Shadows<\/a><\/strong>, and share the essential work that Sea Shepherd does every day to ensure their survival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Sea Shepherd<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSea Shepherd is a non-profit conservation organization committed to fighting threats to all marine species. By working with international law enforcement and national governments, they confront illegal activity at sea and cross oceans to protect wildlife in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not easy protecting ocean creatures. The distances are vast, and the intersection of international and national laws makes it tough to catch people looking to profit at the expense of wildlife and ecosystems. Sea Shepherd has a fleet of 12 vessels which allows them to defend the seas with direct action campaigns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cOur presence in the Upper Gulf is more urgent than ever due to the precariously low number of vaquitas left. Every gillnet removed is a weapon disarmed, giving hope that the vaquita can be saved in this race against extinction.\u201d<\/p>\nPeter Hammarstedt, Director of Campaigns for Sea Shepherd<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nA future for vaquita?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOperation Milagro (meaning miracle) is the Sea Shepherd solution. Working with the Mexican government, six Sea Shepherd vessels identify and retrieve illegal nets throughout the Vaquita Refuge. They have removed over 1000 nets and other fishing gear from the area and rescued thousands of animals caught in them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the vaquita\u2019s situation is dire, hope is not lost. Ten individuals are enough for the species to bounce back, if they are protected as their calves are born. That\u2019s why we can make a difference right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Photo credit: Robbie Newby, Sea Shepherd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow can I support the vaquita?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTo support Sea Shepherd\u2019s work protecting the remaining vaquita, donations<\/strong><\/a> allow them to get their staff on the boats taking action where it is needed. It also helps to fund technology that scans and locates illegal nets, making sure these are removed as quickly as possible to prevent harm. <\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can also share the vaquita\u2019s story and make sure everyone knows about this incredible animal we are so close to losing forever. Watch the documentary about the vaquita, Sea of Shadows<\/a><\/strong>, and share the essential work that Sea Shepherd does every day to ensure their survival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur presence in the Upper Gulf is more urgent than ever due to the precariously low number of vaquitas left. Every gillnet removed is a weapon disarmed, giving hope that the vaquita can be saved in this race against extinction.\u201d<\/p>\nPeter Hammarstedt, Director of Campaigns for Sea Shepherd<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Operation Milagro (meaning miracle) is the Sea Shepherd solution. Working with the Mexican government, six Sea Shepherd vessels identify and retrieve illegal nets throughout the Vaquita Refuge. They have removed over 1000 nets and other fishing gear from the area and rescued thousands of animals caught in them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While the vaquita\u2019s situation is dire, hope is not lost. Ten individuals are enough for the species to bounce back, if they are protected as their calves are born. That\u2019s why we can make a difference right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To support Sea Shepherd\u2019s work protecting the remaining vaquita, donations<\/strong><\/a> allow them to get their staff on the boats taking action where it is needed. It also helps to fund technology that scans and locates illegal nets, making sure these are removed as quickly as possible to prevent harm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also share the vaquita\u2019s story and make sure everyone knows about this incredible animal we are so close to losing forever. Watch the documentary about the vaquita, Sea of Shadows<\/a><\/strong>, and share the essential work that Sea Shepherd does every day to ensure their survival. <\/p>\n\n\n\nA future for vaquita?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How can I support the vaquita?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n