sea cows they are about to disappear. With only a dozen specimens available, this marine mammal is in danger of rapid extinction, which could lead to extinction within a few years. overfishing As in other cases, the deterioration of habitat as a result of climate change lies behind this situation. But all is not lost, because despite these conditions vaquitas continue to reproduce normally, which could facilitate a rapid repopulation as long as they are allowed to do so.
This was also suggested by the International Whaling Commission (IWC), which issued an extinction alert to save the whales’ lives for the first time in its 70-year history. It is the smallest and most endangered marine mammal in the world.
Vaquita dolphin, also known as cochito (Phocoena sinus), but it is a marine mammal species that is 150 centimeters long and weighs 50 kg. It is found only in one place on the planet: in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.. The decline process is actually new, but it is happening at a dizzying pace.
From 200 copies to 10 copies in just twenty years
More than 200 vaquita specimens existed at the beginning of this century.In 2015, this number was reduced to ninety-seven. However, in 2017 it lost 67% of its population, leaving less than forty people remaining. And already at the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019, it was estimated that only ten to fifteen remained. By 2023 the population will drop to a dozen specimens; among these are: a newborn ray of hope But for the species to be saved, this does not serve to change much of what is critical about its situation.
The reason for this population decline is fishermen use gill nets illegally hunting another species of fish totoaba or white croaker. Totoaba is the most expensive fish in the world. This is due to the swim bladder or ‘snip’ it has. This organ is worth more than $8,000 on the Chinese black market. Popular Asian belief suggests that this part of the fish has healing properties.
“Despite repeated warnings for nearly three decades, vaquita It is in danger of extinction because it gets caught in gill nets.“, states a statement by the IWC. Despite all the actions of the Mexican Government to avoid this at all costs, this small whale is increasingly likely to become extinct.
For example, the Mexican Navy set a limit zero tolerance area (ZTA) to prevent the use of gillnets. Theoretically, this measure has resulted in a 90% reduction in the use of these elements in this area, but it is suspected that such applications have moved to the edge of the ZTA.
Despite the dire situation the vaquitas are in, there is still hope to save them. Firstly, The number of samples did not change from 2019 to May 2023 It is located in this region of the Mexican sea. Additionally, all the animals, including the little calf, were eating normally and were healthy.
The presence of the little girl also means this: vaquitas did not stop reproducingTherefore, in the eyes of the IWC, it is very important to remove the fishing pressure that is still on them. “We can’t stop now,” they insist.
The IWC is therefore calling for a complete ban on gillnet fishing and for safe and sustainable alternatives to protect the livelihoods of the fishing community and give the species some hope of recovery.
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Contact address of the environmental department:krisclimatica@prensaiberica.es
Source: Informacion
James Sean is a writer for “Social Bites”. He covers a wide range of topics, bringing the latest news and developments to his readers. With a keen sense of what’s important and a passion for writing, James delivers unique and insightful articles that keep his readers informed and engaged.