Critical:
Less than 15 remaining!

Help save the
Vaquita Porpoise

The world's rarest marine mammal is on the brink of extinction.
Together, we can prevent their disappearance forever.
Make A Donation
Join Our Mission
Critical:
Less than 15 remaining!

Help save the
Vaquita Porpoise

The world's rarest marine mammal is on the brink of extinction. Together, we can prevent their disappearance forever.
Make A Donation
Join Our Mission

The World's Most
Endangered Marine Mammal

The vaquita porpoise (Phocoena sinus) is a small, elusive cetacean found only in the northern Gulf of California, Mexico.  Despite their critical status, research shows vaquitas have healthy genetics and can recover—if we act now to remove all gillnets from their habitat. This species is also called the "desert porpoise" or the "panda of the sea".

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About The Vaquita

The World's Most
Endangered Marine Mammal

The vaquita porpoise (Phocoena sinus) is a small, elusive cetacean found only in the northern Gulf of California, Mexico.  Despite their critical status, research shows vaquitas have healthy genetics and can recover—if we act now to remove all gillnets from their habitat. This species is also called the "desert porpoise" or the "panda of the sea".

Make A Donation
About The Vaquita

International Save the Vaquita Day

Help us tell the world about the vaquita and make a last stand against extinction!
Learn More
THE THREAT

Why Are Vaquitas Disappearing?

Illegal fishing is driving the vaquita to extinction. Here's what's happening.

Illegal Gillnets

Vaquitas become entangled in gillnets set for totoaba fish, whose swim bladders are sold illegally to China for high prices.

Black Market Trade

Totoaba bladders can sell for thousands of dollars per kilogram, creating a lucrative illegal trade that fuels poaching.

Enforcement Gaps

Despite the ban on gillnets, enforcement gaps remain challenging in the remote waters of the Gulf of California.
THE THREAT

Why Are Vaquitas Disappearing?

Illegal fishing is driving the vaquita to extinction. Here's what's happening.

Illegal Gillnets

Vaquitas become entangled in gillnets set for totoaba fish, whose swim bladders are sold illegally to China for high prices.

Black Market Trade

Totoaba bladders can sell for thousands of dollars per kilogram, creating a lucrative illegal trade that fuels poaching.

Enforcement Gaps

Despite the ban on gillnets, enforcement gaps remain challenging in the remote waters of the Gulf of California.
STAY INFORMED

Latest Updates

March 15, 2026

Vote for the Vaquita in March Madness contest!

The Indianapolis Zoo in the USA is raising awareness about endangered species through a competition modeled after the NCAA basketball […]

Read Article

February 25, 2026

Vote to Save the Vaquita and Other Endangered Species

In November of this year, the United States will have a critical chance to reverse the disastrous plans of the […]

Read Article

March 10, 2024

Africa’s Atlantic humpback dolphins win U.S. Endangered species protections

Published on: Mar 10, 2024 Africa’s Atlantic Humpback Dolphins win U.S. Endangered species protections WASHINGTON — The National Marine Fisheries Service […]

Read Article
UNITED FOR VAQUITAS

Coalition Members

Together, these organizations combine their conservation expertise and resources to fight for vaquita survival.

FEMALE VAQUITA

Explore a Female Vaquita in 3D

A to-scale model of the world’s rarest porpoise — rotate, zoom, and see her unique markings up close.

FEMALE VAQUITA

Explore a Female Vaquita in 3D

A to-scale model of the world’s rarest porpoise — rotate, zoom, and see her unique markings up close.

Vaquita

Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez
Author Brooke Bessesen takes us on a journey to Mexico’s Upper Gulf region to uncover the story. She interviewed townspeople, fishermen, scientists, and activists, teasing apart a complex story filled with villains and heroes, a story whose outcome is unclear. When diplomatic and political efforts to save the little porpoise failed, Bessesen followed a team of veterinary experts in a binational effort to capture the last remaining vaquitas and breed them in captivity—the best hope for their survival.
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Vaquita

Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez

Author Brooke Bessesen takes us on a journey to Mexico’s Upper Gulf region to uncover the story. She interviewed townspeople, fishermen, scientists, and activists, teasing apart a complex story filled with villains and heroes, a story whose outcome is unclear. When diplomatic and political efforts to save the little porpoise failed, Bessesen followed a team of veterinary experts in a binational effort to capture the last remaining vaquitas and breed them in captivity—the best hope for their survival.

Order Now
YOU CAN HELP!

There's Still Time to Save Them!

Scientists confirm vaquitas can recover if we remove gillnets from their habitat. Your support makes this possible.

Make A Donation