The Tragedy of this Dolphin Species – Like Many Others – Comes from Humanity.
In the Gulf of California (United States) resides a small and incredibly innocent-looking creature known as the “vaquita” (Phocoena sinus).
The vaquita is the smallest member of the cetacean order, which includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises. This species is easily recognizable by its distinctive features: a black ring around the eyes, a curved mouth, and a dark snout. Female vaquitas typically reach a length of about 1.4 meters, while males average 1.34 meters.
They have the smallest distribution range, confined to a small area in the northern part of the Gulf of California.
Vaquitas usually inhabit shallow, murky coastal waters and are rarely found in areas deeper than 30 meters. They thrive in these shallow waters, allowing them to surface easily. Vaquitas are commonly seen at depths of 11 to 50 meters, 11 to 25 kilometers from the shore, over muddy and clay substrates. Their ideal habitat consists of nutrient-rich, non-clear water, where food is readily available.
Currently, these dolphins are also the rarest in the world, classified by scientists as critically endangered. Recent studies indicate that the wild population of vaquitas has dwindled to approximately only 10 individuals left.
Vaquita Dolphin.
In the best-case scenario, the number might rise to 22 individuals, but experts assess that this is unlikely.
This announcement was made during the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (CIRVA), using tracking data from 2018. Tragically, on the very day the figure was released, another vaquita was discovered dead.
Recently, experts from the marine conservation organization Sea Shepherd patrolled the only area where vaquitas exist in the Gulf of California, which can be considered a sanctuary. Consequently, authorities have banned fishing activities in this region.
However, despite the ban, the team encountered a poaching net, inside which was the body of a white creature. Due to decomposition, they could not immediately identify it.
After analysis, it was confirmed to be the body of a vaquita. In other words, if the estimated numbers from the conference are accurate, then there are now only 9 vaquitas left in the world.
It is known that the vaquita was first discovered in 1958, and it is notable for its unique appearance: the black eye rings, the curved mouth, and dark snout. For this reason, they are also referred to as the “pandas of the ocean.”
The tragedy of the vaquita began in 1993 when human activities and the number of fishing boats increased significantly. Among these, the use of gillnets for bottom trawling is the primary cause of the species’ decline. It is estimated that these deadly nets have inadvertently killed 700,000 marine animals.
The use of bottom trawling nets is the main reason this species has lost its habitat.
Clearly, this is an extremely alarming sign for conservationists who are striving to protect this species.
“One of the most remarkable creatures on Earth is about to disappear forever.” – said Sarah Uhlemann, director of the Center for Biological Diversity in the United States.
According to Uhlemann, part of the problem is that current regulations are too lax. The Mexican government imposed a ban on gillnets in 2017, but enforcement has been insufficient. Evidence shows that Sea Shepherd volunteers found at least 400 illegally set nets in 2018.
Searching for and removing gillnets also puts conservationists at risk, especially if they encounter the poachers who set them. They may face attacks or even death.
“If we stop, the vaquita will disappear. We know we may be attacked and that we are risking our lives. But if we don’t act, the vaquita will have no chance of survival,” said Jack Hutton, a member of Sea Shepherd.
Unfortunately, the extinction of the vaquita is not due to human hunting. The vaquita is merely an “unwitting victim,” as the main target for gillnetting is the totoaba fish – a highly valued species that is also critically endangered.
“Only a few individuals remain to hold hope for the vaquita,” shared Kate O’Connell from the Animal Welfare Institute. She noted that when scientists first raised the alarm about this species, there were still hundreds, even thousands of individuals swimming in the ocean. This means that conservation efforts over the past years have been nearly ineffective.
