Only found in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico the population of Vaquita has been in dramatic decline due to the use of gill-nets.
Vaquita are frequently caught in these nets (as bycatch), and unable to surface to breathe, they drown. In 2016 a permanent ban in the legal use of gillnets was brought into force, however, the use of these nets in illegal fishing continues.
In the 1990s there were around 600 individuals and today there are thought to be less than 20. This species is destined for extinction unless the Mexican government enforces the ban on illegal nets.
Photo Credit: T.Jefferson / NOAA
