Join us at the Aquarium to learn more about the smallest and most endangered porpoise.

You can help the Aquarium of the Pacific spread the word about a critically endangered species on International Save the Vaquita Day. Found only in the northern part of the Gulf of California, Mexico, the vaquita porpoise is the world’s most endangered marine mammal. Fewer than thirty vaquitas remain, according to a report by the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (CIRVA).

On Vaquita Day, Aquarium guests can attend a special presentation at 11:00 a.m. by Brooke Bessesen, participate in a vaquita selfie station using the hashtag #4aporpoise, the event also includes films, a game, and shows.

WHEN: SATURDAY, JUL 7, 2018 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Vaquita lecture: 11:00 a.m.
COST: Included with general admission: $29.95 for adults (12+), $17.95 for children (3-11), $26.95 for seniors (62+), and free for children under three years old and Aquarium members.

Brooke Bessesen: Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez
7PM WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Changing Hands - Tempe Location

The author and longtime Phoenix Zoo veterinary technician presents her latest nonfiction book, Vaquita.

In 2006, Vaquita, a diminutive porpoise making its home in the Upper Gulf of California, inherited the dubious title of world's most endangered marine mammal. Nicknamed "panda of the sea" for their small size and beguiling facial markings, vaquitas have been in decline for decades, dying by the hundreds in gill-nets intended for commercially valuable fish, as well as for an endangered fish called totoaba. When international crime cartels discovered a lucrative trade in the swim bladders of totoaba, illegal gill netting went rampant, and now the lives of the few remaining vaquitas hang in the balance.

Bessesen takes readers on a journey to Mexico's Upper Gulf region to uncover the story. She interviewed townspeople, fishermen, scientists, and activists, teasing apart a complex story filled with villains and heroes, a story whose outcome is unclear. When diplomatic and political efforts to save the little porpoise failed, Bessesen followed a team of veterinary experts in a binational effort to capture the last remaining vaquitas and breed them in captivity—the best hope for their survival. In this fast-paced, soul-searing tale, she learned that there are no easy answers when extinction is profitable.

Whether the rescue attempt succeeds or fails, the world must ask itself hard questions. When vaquita and the totoaba are gone, the black market will turn to the next vulnerable species. What will we do then?

The Literate Lizard Bookstore is proud to host Arizona author Brooke Bessesen in a discussion and signing of her new book Vaquita, about a Baja California porpoise that has become the world’s most endangered marine mammal. This free event will appeal to all nature and wildlife lovers, as well as to fans of her Arizona Wildlife Guide and her popular children's book Zachary Z. Packrat Backpacks the Grand Canyon.

This event will take place in the Si Birch Room of the Sedona Public Library. Books will be available for purchase. 

As Brooke Bessesen writes in her new book, Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez, “Conservation is messy business.” Economic, cultural, political, and legislative forces all come into play when considering protection strategies for an at-risk species. And, frustratingly, the best approach for victory isn’t always clear. Local communities have to balance potential job losses and preservation of their cultural history with conservation goals. When governments help or hinder the cause, lawsuits become tools for action. Because of these complex dynamics, key players in the conservation effort may, at times, find themselves at odds—even if their end goal is the same.

This webinar, Saving Vaquita: Considerations in the Race Against Extinction, moderated by Dr. Tom Jefferson, explores the complicated issue of endangered species recovery through the lens of the now extremely rare porpoise, the vaquita. The question is asked: When it comes to saving a species, is it possible to unify all concerned parties to fight for a common, singular objective? Bessesen will introduce the world’s smallest cetacean and explain the history of its plight. By examining the economic, cultural, and legislative aspects of vaquita conservation, audience members are encouraged to consider the universal goals and challenges related to disappearing species worldwide.

We end with a Q&A for participants to ask their own questions about how conservation works.

When researcher Brooke Bessesen set out to write a book about the smallest cetacean she had no idea how high the stakes would be. Traveling into Mexico, she found a cartel drama unfolding. Over the next twenty-two months she followed the scientists studying vaquitas and the organizations and honest fishermen facing grave risk to save these tiny porpoises. Attempting to reconcile the conflicts obstructing conservation amid rising violence and a plummeting vaquita population, Brooke found herself on a raw, personal journey to the doorstep of extinction. In this presentation, she shares stories from the field and helps clarify the historical and immediate forces driving a species to the brink. 

When? Tuesday 27th November @ 7pm (doors 6.30pm)
Price: Free, but register to guarantee your seat. (There will be a limited number of tickets on the door)
Accessibility: This event will be ASL signed and is wheel-chair accessible 
Location: The Vancouver Aquarium - Aquaquest Reception

ENTANGLED: A Deep Dive into the Vaquita Crisis. Join us for a unique Speaker Series event with researcher, Brooke Bessesen to hear her talk about Vaquita conservation efforts.

When Brooke set out to write a book about the smallest cetacean, she had no idea how high the stakes would change. For 22 months, she followed scientists studying vaquitas and the organizations and honest fishermen facing grave risk to save these tiny porpoises. Attempting to reconcile the conflicts obstructing conservation amid rising violence and a plummeting vaquita population, Brooke found herself on a raw, personal journey to the doorstep of extinction. In this presentation, she shares stories from the field and helps clarify the historical and immediate forces driving a species to the brink. After her talk, she will be signing her new book, Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez.

ENTANGLED: A Deep Dive into the Vaquita Crisis with Brooke Bessesen

When wildlife researcher Brooke Bessesen set out to write a book about the smallest cetacean, she had no idea how high the stakes would be. Traveling into Mexico, she found a cartel drama unfolding. Over the next twenty-two months, she followed the scientists studying vaquitas and the organizations and honest fishermen facing grave risk to save these tiny porpoises. Attempting to reconcile the conflicts obstructing conservation amid rising violence and a plummeting Vaquita population, Brooke found herself on a raw, personal journey to the doorstep of extinction. In this presentation, she helps clarify the historical and immediate forces driving the species to the brink and explores viable solutions to the crisis. Brooke is the author of the new book: Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez.

Join us for this special, free event with Brooke:
Saturday, February 2, 2019
11:00AM-1:00PM
Redwood Shores Library
Community Room
399 Marine Parkway
Redwood City, CA 94065
Free parking!

Brooke's talk will be followed by a question and answer session (~Approximately 11:00AM-12:00PM).