Daniela Hernandez Muñoz Topic #2
The Vaquita Marina and porpoises
The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is a porpoise, and therefore a marine mammal considered the
smallest cetacean in the world and one of the most endangered species. This animal is
endemic to the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, and faces a critical
situation that could lead to its disappearance in the coming decades. The causes of its
decline are complex and multifactorial, but they all converge on the same reality: human
activity.
The term porpoise is used to refer to the smallest cetaceans, which belong to the
Phocoenidae family, called phocaenids. They are classified within the odontocetes, which is
the group of cetaceans that have teeth.
They are marine mammals, but they can also be found in a variety of freshwater
environments. This is why they can inhabit seas, open water oceans, coasts and even rivers.
In addition, they can be found in different climates, from polar to tropical. It should be noted
that each species lives in a particular geographic area.
Types of porpoises
There are 6 species that are classified within the porpoises. These are:
Vaquita (Phocoena sinus): It is endemic to Baja California, Mexico. It measures 1.4 to 1.5
meters in length, making it the smallest cetacean in the world. It is critically endangered due
to incidental hunting and the restricted nature of its habitat. There are currently fewer than 10
living specimens. It is characteristic because it has prominent lips. They are shy in nature.
Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena): lives in the northernmost part of the planet, near
the coasts or in estuaries. It is the most common porpoise. It measures 1.4 to 2 meters in
length.
Black porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis): It is native to the Southern Cone of South America,
both on the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the ocean. They live near the coasts but sometimes
go to the open sea. On average, they measure 1.5 meters in length. Although they are called
black porpoises, their skin is not black but is gray like all porpoises. When they die, they turn
black.
Spectacled porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica): It has a white underside and a dark grey upper
side. It is also unusual because it looks like it is wearing glasses, due to a line that surrounds
its eyes. It measures 2 to 2.4 meters in length. It is native to the southernmost tip of the
planet.
Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli): lives in the northernmost part of the Pacific Ocean. It
is 2.3 meters long, making it one of the largest porpoises. It is characterized by a white spot
on its belly and a rather dark, almost black back, which is why it looks like a miniature orca.
Finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides): the most peculiar thing about it is that it
has no dorsal fin. It measures 1 to 1.5 meters in length. It lives on the coasts of Asia, but
reaches the Yangtze River.
Smooth porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis): It is endemic to the Yangtze River, and is
fully adapted to these freshwater conditions, making it the only porpoise of its kind. It
measures 1.5 to 2.3 meters in length.
Taxonomy of the vaquita marina
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetartiodactyla
Family: Phocoenidae
Genus: Phoconena
Species: Phocoena sinus
Biology and Distinctive Features
The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is a species about which historically little was known. Its first
description, made in the first half of the 20th century, was based on the discovery of three
skulls near San Felipe, Baja California. A few years later, the entire skeleton was described
when whole stranded specimens were collected, but it was not until 1958 that it was formally
described.
This cetacean is characterized by its small size, reaching between 1.2 and 1.5 meters in
length, and by its distinctive dark spot around the eyes, which has given it the nickname "sea
panda" or "vaquita marina." It has nostrils on the top of its head, which allows it to breathe
without having to take its entire body out of the water. Its life expectancy is approximately 20
years.
The species reaches sexual maturity at six years, mating between April and June, every two
years or more. Fertility is relatively low as they have seasonal reproductive cycles, with a
gestation period of 10 to 11 months; and births between late February and early April, giving
birth to a single offspring. Lactation lasts 8 to 10 months, but the offspring do not feed directly
from the mother; the milk they secrete is very thick, resembling cottage cheese; it is unknown
if other species of mammals have this characteristic in lactation.
It is estimated that a female could have between 5 and 7 offspring throughout her life. This
low reproductive rate is one of the factors that are being taken into account when proposing
conservation actions.
The vaquita is a difficult species to spot due to its shy nature. It lives in shallow waters of the
Sea of Cortez, a habitat that provides it with food and shelter. However, this environment is
also the scene of human activities that have put its survival at risk. It is important to note that
the vaquita is part of a unique ecosystem, and any alteration in its population could generate
a significant imbalance in the Sea of Cortez.
Causes of Extinction
Another factor that aggravates their situation is the inability to reproduce the species in
captivity. Experiments to keep vaquitas in controlled environments have failed due to the high
level of stress they experience, which causes heart problems and, in some cases, death.
It is believed that the heart problems come from a specimen that was born with this defect,
and as it grew and reproduced (since there was not a large population) this disorder was
inherited to the rest of the generations, resulting in no specimen being able to be exposed to
the stress of a limited area for study. These limitations highlight the need to concentrate
efforts on the protection of its natural habitat. In addition, unsustainable fishing practices have
led to a decrease in the population of other species necessary for the ecosystem of the Gulf
of California.
Illegal totoaba fishing has a devastating impact on the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), which is
accidentally caught in the nets used to capture totoabas. This phenomenon, known as
bycatch, has been a key factor in the drastic decline of the vaquita population, which is
currently on the brink of extinction.
In conclusion, illegal fishing and trade of totoaba is a complex problem that combines
ecological, economic, cultural and global aspects. Despite international regulations, such as
the inclusion of totoaba in CITES Appendix I (which prohibits its international trade), high
demand and economic gains continue to fuel this practice, putting at risk not only the totoaba,
but also the biodiversity of the Gulf of California.
Totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) fishing began in the 20th century, mainly in the Gulf of
California, where this species is endemic. Initially, totoaba was fished artisanally by local
communities who valued it as a source of food and economic support. However, over time,
interest in this species increased due to its size (it can reach up to 2 meters in length and
weigh more than 100 kg) and the quality of its meat.
In the 1940s, commercial fishing of totoaba began to develop on a large scale, leading to
overexploitation of the stock. As international demand grew, especially in Asian markets, the
focus shifted to its swim bladder, also known as "maw", displacing interest in its meat.
The totoaba's swim bladder is considered a luxury item and has a high value on the black
market due to its uses in traditional Asian medicine and its status as a symbol of wealth. The
main factors are:
Traditional Chinese Medicine: The bladder is believed to have healing properties, such as
strengthening the skin, improving fertility and prolonging life. Although these claims have no
scientific basis, the belief persists among certain sectors of the population in countries such
as China.
Culinary delicacy: The bladder is used in soups and dishes considered exquisite in Asia,
where its consumption symbolizes opulence and social status.
Investment item: In Asian markets, swim bladder is also considered a luxury good that can
be kept for years and sold at exorbitant prices, like investing in jewelry or antiques. In black
markets, a single bladder can fetch prices of up to $46,000, depending on its size and quality,
making it one of the most lucrative commodities in the illegal wildlife trade.
Globalization has exacerbated the problem of illegal totoaba fishing, creating a system where
illegal trade networks operate globally:
International demand: The growing middle and upper classes in Asia, especially in China,
have boosted demand for products such as totoaba bladders. The perception of luxury
associated with this product encourages its purchase despite legal restrictions.
International trafficking networks: Bladders are trafficked from Mexico, passing through
networks in the United States and Asia. Organized criminal groups participate in transport and
marketing, using the same channels as for other illicit activities, such as drug or arms
trafficking.
Increased illegal fishing: Local fishermen in the Gulf of California are financially
incentivized to catch totoabas, often in highly dangerous conditions. Although many fishermen
are aware of the ecological damage, the economic rewards outweigh their usual income,
leading them to engage in this activity.
Technological impact: Globalization and technology have also facilitated illegal trade.
Digital platforms and social media have become the means to market swim bladders in
international markets.
Ecological and Cultural Importance
The vaquita plays a crucial role in the food chain of the marine ecosystem of the Gulf of
California. As a predator of small fish and squid, it contributes to the ecological balance. The
loss of this species could have cascading consequences, affecting other species and altering
the dynamics of the ecosystem. Its disappearance would be an indicator of a severely
damaged marine ecosystem.
Furthermore, the vaquita is a symbol of Mexican biodiversity and a reminder of the country's
natural wealth. Its conservation is an ethical and cultural imperative, reflecting humanity's
commitment to protecting endangered species. In the international context, the vaquita has
become an emblem of the fight against species extinction due to human activity. Its situation
has inspired various awareness-raising campaigns and collaboration between countries to
confront this global problem.
Conservation Efforts
The vaquita is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) and is included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In Mexico, the NOM-059-
SEMARNAT-2001 and NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2019 regulations also recognize its critical
status.
Despite these designations, conservation efforts have faced numerous challenges. In 2017, a
protected area was created in the Sea of Cortez for the recovery of the vaquita, but health
problems and persistent illegal fishing limited results.
Non-governmental organizations, researchers and governments have implemented
monitoring programs, awareness campaigns and alternative technologies to reduce bycatch.
However, the success of these initiatives depends on international collaboration and
community support.
A recent example of innovative technology is the use of drones and acoustic sensors to
monitor the presence of vaquitas and illegal fishing activities. These tools have provided
valuable information for surveillance and law enforcement, but their implementation requires
significant resources and multinational collaboration. In addition, efforts have been made to
engage local communities in vaquita protection through educational and training programs.
CIRVA ESTIMATED
DATE APPLIED METHOD PERIOD
Report POPULATION
Hundreds, Comparison of data
1 1997 possibly a few from previous 1985-1993
hundred studies
Sightings in
delimited areas in
2 1999 567 the northern portion 1997
of the Gulf of
California
No further
The population population studies
3 2004 has continued to have been 1998-2004
decline conducted since
1997.
February Acoustic monitoring October 6 to November
4 245
20-23, 2012 and sighting 25, 2008
Jul -10,
5 97 Acoustic monitoring June to September 2013
2014
May 22, Acoustic monitoring
6 100 June to September 2014
2015 and sighting
May 10-13, Acoustic monitoring September 28 to
7 60
2016 and sighting December 3, 2015
Nov 29-
8 30 Acoustic monitoring Summer 2016
30,2016
Apr 25-26,
9 * Acoustic monitoring March 6 to April 17, 2017
2017
Dec 11-12
10 * Acoustic monitoring During 2017
2017
11 Feb 19-21 Under 22 Acoustic monitoring November and December
2018
