The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is now regarded as the most critically endangered of all of the world’s small cetacean
species (Turvey et al. 2007). Its current total distribution is the most limited of all cetaceans and its total population
is estimated at only about 150 (Jaramillo-Legorreta et al. 1999; Jaramillo-Legorreta et al. 2007). International
cooperation, both technical and economic, is urgently needed to prevent the vaquita’s extinction.
It has been scientifically demonstrated that the vaquita is in danger of extinction, primarily as a result of incidental
mortality in entangling nets used to catch fish and shrimp. The vaquita is listed as critically endangered by IUCN
(the World Conservation Union), as in danger of extinction according to the Mexican Official Standard NOM-059-
SEMARNAT-2006, and as endangered by the US Endangered Species Act. The decision on whether and how to save
the vaquita does not require more scientific data. Rather, measures to eliminate mortality of vaquita in entangling
nets must be implemented immediately. Once such mortality has been eliminated, a recovery program for the
vaquita will need to be put in place and will need to include three elements: i) feasible and concrete socioeconomic
alternatives for those who make their living from fishing in the Upper Gulf of California, ii) the availability and use
of alternative fishing gear that does not cause vaquita bycatch, and iii) continued enforcement to ensure that there
are no entangling nets in vaquita habitat.
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Publication – North American Conservation Action Plan for the Vaquita (Phocoena sinus)