After the extinguishment warning of the vaquita porpoise issued by the International Whaling Commission, WWF Mexico stressed that it is not too late to save this species.
In a press release, the environmental organization pointed out that according to the results of the Mexican Government's report of the Vaquita Observing Cruise 2023There is a 76% probability that the total number of vaquitas is between 10 and 13 individuals, including two calves.
"These numbers show the resilience of the species and give reason to believe it is not too late," he said.
WWF Mexico acknowledged the International Whaling Commission's statement on the 'extinction alert' for the vaquita, in which it reiterates the warning on the imminent extinction and calls for support and encouragement at all levels, nationally and globally, for the actions needed to save the porpoise.
WWF began formal efforts to protect the vaquita in 1997 and for two decades led, promoted and collaborated with the Mexican government, academics, civil society, local communities and fishermen to develop alternative fishing gear, conduct acoustic monitoring of the porpoise, seek preferential markets for the commercialization of products caught with gear that does not catch vaquita, and implement public policies and governance.
These strategies are documented in a report, which includes lessons learned and recommendations for vaquita conservation.
"WWF recognizes the willingness and efforts of various stakeholders involved in protecting this endemic cetacean and securing the livelihoods of local fishing communities. However, we continue to call for the use of alternative fishing methods within its core habitat and emphasize the importance of saving the species," said Ixchel Lopez Olvera, Director of WWF Mexico's Oceans Program.
It also calls for a collaborative effort at the national and international levels to stop the illegal totoaba fishing in gillnets, the main cause of vaquita bycatch. The totoaba is an endangered fish species whose swim bladder is highly prized in China and trafficked from Mexico through the United States.
Source: WWF
