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Vaquita Marina Population: Why it's Endangered?
Vaquita Marina: The World's Smallest Dolphin on the Brink
Reading time : 1 minute,
Discovery Chepe Id-418-ECO
Published in
08-02-2024
The extinction of the vaquita porpoise would be a great loss for the biodiversity of our planet. It is essential that we all become aware of this situation and act to save this unique species. Foto flickr.com SEMARNAT.
Why is it in danger?
The main threat to the vaquita is illegal fishing for totoaba, another species endemic to the Gulf of California. The totoaba swim bladder is highly valued on the Asian black market, where it is used in traditional medicine. To capture the totoaba, fishermen use gillnets, which are highly harmful to the vaquita porpoise, as they accidentally become trapped and die.
Other threats include:
1- Habitat loss: Pollution and alteration of the vaquita's natural habitat also contribute to its decline.
2- Climate change: The increase in water temperature and ocean acidification can negatively affect the vaquita and its ecosystem.
What is Threatening the Vaquita Marine Dolphin?
What is being done to save it?
There are various efforts to protect the vaquita porpoise, both by the Mexican government and international organizations. Some of the actions that are being carried out are:
a) Fishing bans: Fishing bans have been implemented in areas where vaquitas are found.
b) Removal of nets: Campaigns are carried out to remove gillnets from the water.
c) Captive breeding programs: Options are being explored to raise vaquitas in captivity with the aim of reintroducing them into their natural habitat.
d) International cooperation: We work together with other countries to combat the illegal trafficking of totoaba swim bladder.
The vaquita population has declined dramatically in recent decades. It is estimated that very few specimens remain alive. The situation is critical and a coordinated and urgent effort is required to prevent its extinction.
What can we do?
Each of us can contribute to the protection of the vaquita:
· Get informed: Learn more about the situation of the vaquita and the threats it faces.
· Share information: Spread the message about the importance of protecting this species.
· Support organizations: Donate to organizations that work on vaquita conservation.
· Consume seafood responsibly: Choose seafood that has been obtained sustainably.
Decrease in Vaquita Marina Population Over the Last 30 Years::
| Year | Estimated | % Decrease |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 570 | - |
| 1994 | 560 | -1.8% |
| 1995 | 550 | -1.8% |
| 1996 | 540 | -1.8% |
| 1997 | 530 | -1.8% |
| 1998 | 520 | -1.9% |
| 1999 | 510 | -1.9% |
| 2000 | 500 | -1.9% |
| 2001 | 490 | -2.0% |
| 2002 | 480 | -2.0% |
| 2003 | 470 | -2.1% |
| 2004 | 460 | -2.1% |
| 2005 | 450 | -2.2% |
| 2006 | 440 | -2.2% |
| 2007 | 430 | -2.3% |
| 2008 | 420 | -2.3% |
| 2009 | 410 | -2.4% |
| 2010 | 400 | -2.4% |
| 2011 | 390 | -2.5% |
| 2012 | 200 | -48.7% |
| 2013 | 190 | -5.0% |
| 2014 | 97 | -49.5% |
| 2015 | 60 | -38.2% |
| 2016 | 30 | -50.0% |
| 2017 | 12 | -60.0% |
| 2018 | 10 | -16. |
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