Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez

The vaquita, a small porpoise, is the world's most endangered marine mammal due to illegal gillnetting for totoaba. Brooke Bessesen's book "The Last Vaquita" explores the complex story of their decline and the efforts to save them, including a binational rescue attempt.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 30 November 2018
\n Publisher: Island Press
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The vaquita, a small porpoise residing in the Upper Gulf of California, earned the unfortunate distinction of being the world's most endangered marine mammal in 2006. Renowned for its charming facial markings and diminutive size, known as the "panda of the sea," vaquitas have been facing a significant decline for decades. Their numbers have dwindled alarmingly, with hundreds of them dying tragically in gillnets intended for the commercially valuable fish, totoaba. The illegal gillnetting surge was fueled by the discovery of a lucrative trade in totoaba swim bladders by international crime cartels. The fate of the few remaining vaquitas now hangs in the balance, making their conservation efforts all the more urgent.

Author Brooke Bessesen embarked on a journey to the Upper Gulf region of Mexico to unravel the complex story behind the vaquita's decline. Through extensive interviews with townspeople, fishermen, politicians, scientists, and activists, she pieced together a narrative filled with both villains and heroes. The outcome of this story remains uncertain, leaving the world to grapple with difficult questions. Diplomatic and political efforts to save the little porpoise proved unsuccessful, leading Bessesen to join a team of veterinary experts in a binational endeavor to capture the remaining ten vaquitas and breed them in captivity, the only hope for their survival.

In this heart-wrenching tale, Bessesen discovered that there are no easy solutions when extinction is profitable. The rescue attempt, while valiant, carries its own set of risks and uncertainties. If successful, it would provide a glimmer of hope for the vaquita's survival, but if unsuccessful, it would raise even more questions about what can be done to protect vulnerable species from illegal activities. As vaquita and totoaba disappear, the black market will inevitably turn its attention to the next vulnerable species. What will be our response then?

The vaquita's story serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the devastating consequences of human activities. It highlights the urgent need for global cooperation, stricter regulations, and effective conservation measures to protect marine species and preserve the delicate balance of the ocean. The world must take action before it is too late, and the legacy of the vaquita serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our natural world for future generations.

\n Weight: 578g\n
Dimension: 164 x 236 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781610919319\n \n