Extinction Alert Issued for Endangered Vaquita Porpoise

• 10 Aug 2023

Recently, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) issued an urgent warning about the perilous status of the endangered vaquita porpoise, an alert marking the first-ever extinction declaration by the institution.

Key Points:

• Drastic Population Decline: The vaquita porpoise, classified as critically endangered, has suffered an alarming 83% population decline between 2015 and 2018.
• The population stands at an alarming estimate of only nine to ten individuals, highlighting the pressing need for conservation efforts.
• Looming Extinction Warning: The IWC's issuance of an extinction alert represents a historic response to the vaquita's dire situation.
• The institution underscores the urgency for a novel mechanism to address extinction concerns for various cetacean species and populations.
• Critical Call for Action: The IWC underscores the urgency of substituting all gill nets with alternative fishing methods immediately. Such a shift is vital to safeguard the vaquita population and secure the livelihoods of fishers.