Story perspectives
Vaquita Population Shows Hope Amid Illegal Fishing Threats
10/31/2025
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Story summary
- The 2025 Vaquita Marina Observation Cruise, led by Mexico's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and supported by Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, confirmed seven to 10 vaquitas in Upper Gulf of California, including at least one calf.
- Scientists estimate it could take up to 20 years to return to the 2015 population of 60.
- The decline is primarily caused by illegal totoaba fishing using gillnets that threaten vaquitas.
