Vaquita Porpoise Numbers Drop to Critical Levels in Latest Survey

Only 6 to 8 individuals of the world's rarest marine mammal were sighted, raising extinction concerns.

The 2024 survey showed a decline from last year's sighting of 8 to 13 vaquitas.
No newborns were observed, though one healthy juvenile was seen.
The survey covered only 12% of the vaquitas' known habitat, suggesting more may exist elsewhere.
Illegal gillnet fishing remains the primary threat to the vaquita's survival.
Efforts to extend the survey and improve acoustic monitoring are underway despite challenges.