By José Antonio Pérez
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) mourned confirmation of the first reported death this Spring of the endangered vaquita in 2018, as each specimen is vital for the species’ survival given their numbers are estimated to be under 30.
The WWF also reiterated the urgency to end illegal fishing of the also endangered totoaba in the Gulf of California and removal of all drift nets that could affect the vaquita and other species. As part of this effort, the WWF will continue to participate in the retrieval of illegal nets by using sonar, which helps detect ghost nets where dolphins and vaquitas are often trapped.
It is worth noting that in 2017, at least 5 Vaquitas were registered as deceased, four from incidental causes, and one more after being captured for study by the Vaquita CPR organization.