Fauna Journal Entry

Mexican Porpoise is Nearly Extinct (April 7, 2008)

The rare vaquita or Mexican porpoise is on the edge of extincton. Every year, more of the marine mammals are killed in fishing nets than are born. The mammals are found only in the Sea of Cortez off the coast of northern Mexico.

There were about 600 vaquitas eight years ago. Now, there are only 150 left. Wildlife experts say we're running out of time to save the porpoise from extinction.

Vaquitas are victims of huge nets used to catch mackerel, sea bass, sharks, and other fish. The porpoises get tangled up in the nets and can't get to the surface to breathe. Conservationists are urging fishermen to get new nets that are less dangerous to the mammals.

The vaquita is the world's smallest porpoise. Adults grow to lengths of only five feet. The shy mammals are rarely seen by people. Their shrinking population is tracked with underwater microphones that pick up high-frequency sounds they make to communicate.