the vaquita marina It is such an elusive and unique creature that few have had the opportunity to see it in the wild, but most people have heard of its plight. Recognized as the most endangered marine mammal on the planetHis story has become a reflection of the international struggle to conserve endangered species. It all takes place in a very specific corner: the Upper Gulf of California, where a battle between survival and extinction rages every year.
Nowadays, The future of the vaquita marina hangs in the balanceWith a population that has shrunk to single digits, His example forces us to rethink the relationship between humans and the oceans. and the use of natural resources. Below you will find A comprehensive and detailed overview of the vaquita marina, analyzing its biology, the causes that have led to its brink of extinction, conservation actions, and the environmental and social context surrounding this unique cetacean.
What is the vaquita marina? Species, biology, and characteristics
the vaquita marina (Phocoena sinus), also nicknamed little pig or by some the "sea panda" for its distinctive dark spots on its eyes and mouth, is a porpoise endemic to the Upper Gulf of California, in Mexico. Its distribution is limited to a tiny area within the Sea of Cortez, no more than four thousand square kilometers, between Puertecitos (Baja California) and Puerto Peñasco (Sonora). This extreme isolation has determined its evolutionary history and vulnerability.
From the physical point of view, It is the smallest cetacean in the worldAdults measure between 1,2 and 1,5 meters and weigh between 30 and 55 kg, making them considerably smaller than most dolphins. Their upper body is dark gray, their belly is light, and their lips are prominently curved, giving them a smiling appearance. Their flippers are relatively large relative to their body. This is a shy species that avoids approaching boats and rarely leaps out of the water. At the surface, they only stay a few seconds to breathe, making them almost invisible to casual observers.
The vaquita marina is the only porpoise that resides in warm waters., and its diet consists mainly of fish and squid that inhabit the shallow waters of the Upper Gulf. Like other toothed whales, uses high-frequency sounds to communicate and navigate using echolocation; in fact, it moves slowly and generally alone, except when a female is accompanied by her young or, on rare occasions, in small family groups.
It is estimated that Vaquitas reach sexual maturity at three years old, and females can give birth to one calf every one or two years. The gestation period is 10 to 11 months, and the calves are nursed for approximately six months. Throughout her life, a female can have between 2 and 7 offspring., although the most accepted average is around 5. This low reproductive rate It is one of the main reasons why the species is so susceptible to sudden population declines.
Habitat: the Upper Gulf of California, last refuge
The vaquita marina is confined to a unique and extremely restricted habitatIts habitat includes shallow waters between 11 and 50 meters deep, never more than 30 km from the coast. This strip of the northern Gulf of California is characterized by silt and clay bottoms., rich in nutrients, where demersal prey abounds (corvinas, trout, squid and other fish and crustaceans). Prefers turbid and warm waters, being able to tolerate a wide variety of temperatures that are typical of the region.
Vaquitas often forage near estuaries and lagoons, in nutrient-rich habitats where They can easily find medium-sized fish and cephalopodsRecent research has shown that Its diet is broad and includes both benthic and pelagic species., which allows it to exploit different trophic niches in the Upper Gulf.
The damming of the Colorado River and the reduction in the flow of fresh water into the Sea of Cortez has posed an added challenge for the vaquita, as affects ecosystem productivity and food availability. However, Despite this and other environmental impacts, the dominant factor in their decline is interaction with human activities, especially fishing..
The evolution of the population: from hundreds to less than ten
The dramatic decline of the vaquita marina is well documented in scientific and institutional records. In 1997, the population was estimated at around 567 vaquitas.. Just a decade later, that number had dropped dramatically to around 245. By 2015, the official count showed only 59 copies, and in 2017, less than 17The last census carried out in 2024 indicated that the population remains stable around 10 individuals, a figure confirmed by multiple scientific and governmental sources.
These shocking data reflect human impactThe annual decline has reached up to 18,5% in certain periods. Projections in 2019 even predicted the possible disappearance of the species by 2021, although Biological resistance and new conservation efforts have allowed, at least to date, the vaquita to survive..
In the most recent expeditions, which combine sophisticated visual and acoustic methods, experts have managed to spot between six and eight specimens, with a margin of error that could raise the figure to around 6. It is important to note that these counts are always estimates., due to the extreme difficulty in observing and recording individuals in their natural environment.
Main threats to the survival of the vaquita marina
While the vaquita marina faces several environmental threats, The main cause of its dramatic decline has been accidental mortality in gillnets. These nets, used for both legal and illegal fishing (especially for the capture of the totoaba fish, also critically endangered), They are a death trap for the vaquita. Once entangled, the porpoise is unable to surface to breathe and suffocates..
Totoaba fishing is motivated by the high value of its swim bladder (maw), extremely in demand in Asian markets due to supposed healing properties. This illegal trade has turned the Upper Gulf into a stage where international organized crime converges, local fishermen in precarious situations and a network of economic interests that make effective control of fishing difficult.
The use of gillnets to capture other species, such as shrimp and commercial fish, also contributes significantly to vaquita mortality. Even in designated protected areas, Difficulties in monitoring and effectively enforcing regulations have been reported. Despite efforts to monitor and seize networks, The impossibility of total control in such a large area continues to work against the species..
To these factors we must add other threats, such as habitat degradation, pollution (pesticides, reduction of fresh water supply due to damming of the Colorado River), and the possible effects of climate change. It has been estimated that the temperature increase expected for the coming years could further complicate the life cycle and reproduction of the vaquita marina.. The loss of biodiversity and productivity in the Gulf of California also affects food availability..
Genetic and reproductive consequences of such a small population
As if external pressure were not enough, The reduction to such a small number of specimens carries severe genetic risksThe so-called population "bottleneck" implies a loss of genetic variability, which can enhance the expression of harmful recessive genes and reduce the adaptive capacity of the species. With so few individuals, the risk of inbreeding increases., and population recovery becomes even more difficult.
Since there are fewer copies, Contact between males and females also decreases, which reduces the chances of mating. In addition, the low natural reproductive rate of the species makes its recovery even more difficult: Even under ideal conditions, the recovery of such a decimated population would take decades. of optimal conditions and without additional mortality.
However, recent research has suggested that The vaquita could remain genetically viable. if the threats disappeared and the additional mortality rate would be reduced to zeroThere are cases of offspring born in recent years, which suggests that the species still has reproductive capacity, although extremely limited.
Efforts to protect and recover the vaquita marina
The vaquita marina is a reflection of decades of conservation efforts, with varying results.The first major intervention was in 1992, with the creation of the Technical Committee for the Preservation of the Vaquita and the Totoaba, which brought together government entities, NGOs, research centers, and universities. In 1993, the Upper Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta Biosphere Reserve, a key area for the species.
Then, in 1997, the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita Marina (CIRVA), formed by international experts and focused on designing strategies to reverse the decline. Subsequently, multiple plans have been implemented, such as the creation of Refuge Areas, the Vaquita Conservation Action Program (PACE), and the participation of organizations such as the IUCN, CITES, and the EDGE program.
NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 classifies the vaquita as an endangered species, granting it legal protection. Furthermore, over the last decade, organizations such as Sea Shepherd and the Mexican Navy have collaborated on surveillance, the removal of illegal nets, and monitoring with advanced visual and acoustic technologies.
As part of these efforts, the placement of concrete blocks with hooks in the so-called Zero Tolerance Zone has reduced the presence of illegal networks in patrolled areas by more than 90%, representing substantial progress.
Economic and technological retraining programs have been promoted for local fishermen to reduce their dependence on gillnets and promote low-impact fishing techniques. However, the effectiveness of these measures has been uneven, and socioeconomic pressure persists in the region.
What do the latest censuses say and how are they conducted?
Tracking the vaquita is a scientific challenge due to its secretiveness and small population size. Recent expeditions combine direct observation from boats, using specialized binoculars, and acoustic monitoring to improve population estimates by detecting its distinctive sounds.
The May 2024 expedition, organized by CONANP and Sea Shepherd, covered Zero Tolerance zones and nearby areas. Data indicate an estimated population of between 6 and 8 individuals, with a possible maximum of 11, indicating some recovery or, at least, recent maintenance. The observation of a young calf and the apparent good condition of the individuals sighted offer some optimism, although the threat remains very high.
The role of the local community and the social context
Vaquita conservation cannot be achieved without the active participation of local communities. Artisanal and coastal fishing is essential for many families in the Upper Gulf. The closure of fisheries and the implementation of sustainable alternatives generate socioeconomic tensions, which are sometimes exploited by criminal networks linked to illegal totoaba trafficking.
Despite financial support and retraining initiatives, many fishermen express difficulty in accessing practical benefits and new job opportunities. This has led to conflicts and protests, complicating the implementation of strict controls.
Presence in international regulations and global cooperation
The vaquita's case has mobilized international efforts. The species has been on the IUCN Red List since 1978, classified as "critically endangered," and is listed on CITES. It is a priority species in programs such as EDGE and is protected by U.S. laws such as the Endangered Species Act.
Bilateral and trilateral agreements between Mexico, the United States, and China seek to combat illegal totoaba trafficking and protect the vaquita. International meetings promote the exchange of best practices, strengthen the detection and seizure of illegal products, and improve the training of law enforcement agencies in environmental crimes.
Is there hope for the vaquita marina?
Hope can be maintained if the major human threats to their habitat are eliminated. Recent studies, such as those by the IUCN, suggest that, from a genetic standpoint, the species can still recover if accidental fishing mortality is avoided and its refuge is strictly protected.
The discovery of healthy calves and juveniles in recent surveys demonstrates that reproduction continues to occur, albeit under very limited conditions. The survival of the vaquita depends on intensified protection efforts, the elimination of gillnets, and the promotion of sustainable fishing alternatives that support local communities.
The case of the vaquita reflects the importance of swift and coordinated action in the conservation of species with limited distribution and low reproduction. International collaboration, research, and community participation are essential to give this iconic marine species a real chance of survival.
The current situation constitutes an urgent call for global action to protect marine biodiversity. The fight continues, and the vaquita's resilience can become a symbol of hope and change if we all join forces to prevent its extinction.