About VIVA Vaquita
A coalition born from the passion of researchers and educators determined to save the world's most endangered marine mammal from extinction.
How It All Began
VIVA Vaquita was conceived on September 9, 2009 by concerned researchers and educators from three nonprofit organizations: Cetos Research Organization, Save The Whales, and the American Cetacean Society, Monterey Bay Chapter.
We were later joined by others passionate about vaquita conservation: ACS National, other local chapters, Oceanographic Environmental Research Society (OERS), the Muskwa Club, and V-Log. Together, we work to save this Critically Endangered species.
How It All Began
VIVA Vaquita was conceived on September 9, 2009 by concerned researchers and educators from three nonprofit organizations: Cetos Research Organization, Save The Whales, and the American Cetacean Society, Monterey Bay Chapter.
We were later joined by others passionate about vaquita conservation: ACS National, other local chapters, Oceanographic Environmental Research Society (OERS), the Muskwa Club, and V-Log. Together, we work to save this Critically Endangered species.
Our Mission
¡VIVA Vaquita! is a coalition of like-minded scientists, educators, and conservationists who strive to increase attention given to the vaquita - the world's most endangered marine mammal species.
Our goals are to generate awareness, promote a healthy Upper Gulf of California ecosystem, conduct research, and run public awareness and education activities. We aim to save the vaquita while providing long-term benefits to fishermen and residents around the Gulf of California, Mexico.
Our Mission
¡VIVA Vaquita! is a coalition of like-minded scientists, educators, and conservationists who strive to increase attention given to the vaquita - the world's most endangered marine mammal species.
Our goals are to generate awareness, promote a healthy Upper Gulf of California ecosystem, conduct research, and run public awareness and education activities. We aim to save the vaquita while providing long-term benefits to fishermen and residents around the Gulf of California, Mexico.
UNITED FOR VAQUITAS
Coalition Members
Together, these organizations combine their expertise and resources to fight for vaquita survival.
OUR PROGRAMS
What We Do
We work collaboratively with NGOs, museums, aquaria, foundations, and government organizations through these key programs.
International Save the Vaquita Day
Our flagship annual event in the Summer/Fall of each year brings communities together globally with booths, games, music, and life-size vaquita models to raise awareness.
Conferences & Environmental Festivals
We set up booths at national and international marine mammal conferences, using anatomically-accurate vaquita models to engage and educate attendees.
School Programs
Through one of our coalition partners, Save the Whales, we conduct hundreds of marine conservation programs in schools, with emphasis on the vaquita and healthy marine environments.
Research & Photo Expeditions
We organize expeditions to document vaquitas. Our work produced the first high-quality images in their natural habitat.
Lobbying & Advocacy
Through campaigns and petitions, we lobby governments to strengthen Vaquita conservation programs and enforce gillnet bans.
Accurate Information Hub
We provide updated and accurate information about the Vaquita. The references are available for download on the Resources page.
Book Rescue & Redistribution
We 'rescue' marine mammal books, reprints, and journals from the trash and recycle bins making them available to colleagues who will appreciate them. Funds raised through donations go directly into our vaquita conservation efforts—a win/win for all.
OUR PROGRAMS
What We Do
We work collaboratively with NGOs, museums, aquaria, foundations, and government organizations through these key programs.
International Save the Vaquita Day
Our flagship annual event in the Summer/Fall of each year brings communities together globally with booths, games, music, and life-size vaquita models to raise awareness.
Conferences & Environmental Festivals
We set up booths at national and international marine mammal conferences, using anatomically-accurate vaquita models to engage and educate attendees.
School Programs
Through one of our coalition partners, Save the Whales, we conduct hundreds of marine conservation programs in schools, with emphasis on the vaquita and healthy marine environments.
Research & Photo Expeditions
We organize expeditions to document vaquitas. Our work produced the first high-quality images in their natural habitat.
Lobbying & Advocacy
Through letter-writing campaigns and petitions, we lobby governments to strengthen vaquita conservation programs and enforce gillnet bans.
Accurate Information Hub
We provide updated and accurate information about the Vaquita. The references are available for download on the resources page.
Book Rescue & Redistribution
We 'rescue' marine mammal books, reprints, and journals from the trash and recycle bins making them available to colleagues who will appreciate them. Funds raised through donations go directly into our vaquita conservation efforts—a win/win for all.
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.