Vaquita Porpoise
(Phocoena sinus)
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
CURRENT THREATS
CURRENT STATUS
Between 1997 and 2019, gillnets killed hundreds of vaquitas. The current estimated population dropped from approximately 600 to fewer than 10 animals.
SPECIES OVERVIEW
The vaquita porpoise is a unique species adapted to a curious marine habitat. All porpoises live in highly productive waters, which are typically found in northern areas. Vaquitas (Phocoena sinus) have made their home in the Northern Gulf of California, thousands of miles from their nearest relative in Peru. Despite being next to one of the world’s hottest deserts, the waters where vaquitas live are not clear, tropical waters, but rather waters clouded with life due to the strong currents and nutrients stirred from the muddy bottom, deposited by thousands of years of runoff from the Colorado River. Vaquitas sport an extra-tall dorsal fin and long flippers that likely help them dissipate the heat.
Between 1997 and 2019, gillnets killed hundreds of vaquitas. The current estimated population dropped from approximately 600 to fewer than 10 animals.
SPECIES FACTS
The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is the smallest porpoise in the world, reaching just 5 feet in length and weighing up to 120 pounds. Shy and elusive, these gentle animals live only in the northern corner of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez – one of the most biologically rich marine environments on Earth. As top predators, vaquitas play an important role in maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
- Vaquitas were scientifically discovered as a new species in 1958.
- Small but Mighty: About 5 feet long and 120 lbs
- Unique Features: Dark rings around the eyes and distinctive facial markings
- Ecosystem Guardians: Maintain balance in the northern Gulf of California
- The vaquita is also called “vaquita marina” and the Gulf of California harbor porpoise. Vaquita is Spanish for “little cow” and “vaquita marina” is Spanish for “little sea cow.”
- Vaquitas are polydactylous – meaning they have an extra digit in each flipper.
- While most porpoises inhabit cold waters, water temperatures in the vaquita’s habitat can exceed 32°C (90°F) in the summer and fall. Its proportionally larger dorsal fin and flippers help a vaquita offload extra body heat in warmer waters.
SPECIES RANGE
The vaquita’s entire range is about 4,000 km2—nearly the size of the state of Rhode Island.
A Marine Mammal on the Brink of Extinction
Vaquitas have always been rare, but their numbers have dropped sharply in recent decades. The greatest threat remains entanglement in illegal gillnets set for totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi), a large fish whose swim bladder is sold on the black market. These nets, often used in the same area where vaquitas live, have pushed the population to the brink of extinction.
The most recent survey estimated that about 7 to 10 vaquitas remain, including mothers and calves – clear evidence that the species is still reproducing. Most are found within the Zero Tolerance Area (ZTA), a small protected zone in the Upper Gulf of California where concrete deterrent blocks and regular patrols keep gillnets out. Yet 2025 research shows vaquitas are also venturing beyond this zone into unprotected waters, underscoring the need to expand safe areas and strengthen enforcement.
The Deadly Totoaba Trade
The dried totoaba swim bladder can sell for thousands of dollars, driving illegal fishing that traps and kills vaquitas. But there is a path forward. By working alongside local fishers to adopt sustainable approaches, we can protect both their livelihoods and the ocean, giving the vaquita a real chance for survival. Recovery is only possible with strong community partnerships
The vaquita’s future depends on action now, and together, we can give them that chance.
THE THREATS
Vaquitas have been drowning at alarming rates in gillnets for shrimp and finfish. The government of Mexico banned gillnet fisheries; however, the vaquita porpoise continues to be a victim of bycatch due to illegal fishing for the totoaba. The swim bladders from the totoaba fish are highly valuable in Chinese markets. Along with the totoaba and masses of other marine life, vaquitas get entangled in these nets and drown.
Reasons for Hope
Despite their critically low numbers, there is still hope. Recent surveys continue to find living vaquitas, including mothers, calves, and young individuals, inside and beyond the Zero Tolerance Area. Acoustic detections and visual sightings confirm that the species is still reproducing and may be using a wider range than previously understood. Genetic studies indicate that, even with so few individuals, vaquitas retain enough diversity to recover – if bycatch can be eliminated and their habitat protected.
Signs of Progress:
- New Generations: Mothers with calves were sighted again in 2025, confirming continued reproduction.
- Genetic Strength: Studies show vaquitas retain the diversity needed to recover once threats are removed.
- Expanding Range: Detections outside the Zero Tolerance Area in 2025 suggest vaquitas are using a slightly wider portion of their range,
possibly inhabiting areas that have not been regularly surveyed.
WHAT WE ARE DOING AND WHY
Operation Esperanza: A Mission of Hope
To save the vaquita, NMMF created Operation Esperanza (“hope” in Spanish), a strategic plan within our global initiative, Operation GRACE. This forward-looking effort outlines how science, technology, and community partnerships can work together to secure a future for the world’s most endangered porpoise. Although funding for Operation Esperanza was cut, the plan provides a ready framework for immediate action once support is available.
A Strategic Plan for Recovery
Acoustic Monitoring
Researchers have long used underwater recorders to detect vaquita clicks. Building on that foundation, we began developing smart acoustic buoys that can identify vaquitas in real time, relay data instantly, and alert teams to nearby vessels – creating faster, more effective protection for this critically endangered species.
Drone-Based Health Assessments
We initiated development of SEAHAWC, an AI-enabled drone designed to identify individual vaquitas, assess health, and monitor for illegal fishing activity, all without disturbing the animals. Training local community members in its operation will ensure lasting, locally led protection for vaquitas.
Environmental DNA (eDNA)
During recent surveys, our scientists collected hundreds of eDNA samples across the vaquita’s range – capturing genetic material from seawater to detect their presence and understand habitat use. The next step is to analyze these samples, which could reveal critical insights into distribution, genetic diversity, and how to better target protection and enforcement efforts.
Community Engagement
At the heart of the plan is collaboration with local fishers and community partners to promote vaquita-safe fishing practices and sustainable alternatives. These partnerships would create lasting protection for both the species and the people who share its waters.
Lessons from the Past: VaquitaCPR
In 2017, NMMF and global partners launched VaquitaCPR (Conservation, Protection, & Recovery), a bold, first-of-its-kind effort to rescue vaquitas by caring for them temporarily in a protected area. The goal was ambitious – to provide refuge until it was safe for them to return to the wild. The mission demonstrated extraordinary collaboration and scientific expertise.
Although vaquitas proved highly sensitive to human care, the project provided critical scientific knowledge that continues to shape how rescue, rehabilitation, and protection efforts are approached for endangered species worldwide. The lessons learned from VaquitaCPR directly informed the design of Operation Esperanza and now guide conservation strategies under Operation GRACE today.
For a deeper look, you can explore the full details of the rescue plan and the scientific paper summarizing the project and its key findings.
Operation GRACE: A Global Commitment
Building on the lessons from VaquitaCPR, Operation GRACE (Global Rescue of At-Risk Cetaceans and Ecosystems) is now a cornerstone of NMMF’s international conservation work. This initiative brings science, technology, medicine, and community partnerships together to protect the world’s most endangered dolphins, whales, and porpoises around the world.
The vaquita remains at the heart of this mission – a symbol of what is at stake and what can be achieved when global collaboration meets local leadership.
Spotlight on Sea of Shadows
The 2019 National Geographic documentary Sea of Shadows revealed the urgency of the vaquita’s situation, following investigators, scientists, journalists, and the Mexican Navy as they confront illegal fishing and wildlife trafficking. The film highlights the human courage behind conservation and underscores why global awareness and action are essential to saving the species. Watch the film here.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
What Your Support Enables
With renewed funding, Operation Esperanza could:
- Expand acoustic and drone monitoring to locate and track vaquitas in real time
- Use eDNA and genetic analysis to guide conservation and identify priority areas
- Empower local communities through training and sustainable fishing initiatives
- Advance the development of non-invasive technologies for endangered species worldwide
A Shared Path Forward
Saving the vaquita depends on both science and community. Working alongside Mexican partners, marine scientists, and international organizations, NMMF is helping build sustainable solutions to protect the vaquita and the biodiversity of the northern Gulf of California.
Saving the vaquita isn’t the work of scientists alone. It’s the work of communities, of global citizens, of everyone who believes extinction is not an option. Together, we can change the story of the vaquita – from the brink of extinction to a symbol of hope for generations to come.
