In 2006, vaquita, the smallest porpoise, inherited the dubious title of world’s most endangered marine mammal. Today, scientists estimate that fewer than twenty vaquitas remain in the world. Vaquitas aren’t hunted, and their habitat isn’t degraded—so why are they on the brink of extinction?
In her new book, Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez, Brooke Bessesen immerses readers in a shocking world of international crime, corrupt politicians, and communities fighting to bring this species back from the edge.
The question Vaquita asks of us is, what will we do? We can fight to save the vaquita, and other endangered species from extinction. Here’s how you can get involved today...
Know the facts.
- Read Vaquita,"a lucid, informed, and gripping account...a must-read." (Science magazine)
- Watch the webinar Saving Vaquita: Considerations in the race against extinction
- Watch Brooke's talk BUYING TIME: Exploring Solutions to the Vaquita Crisis
- See National Geographic's award-winning film Sea of Shadows on Hulu
- Attend International Save the Vaquita Day (in 2018 there were 34 events in 7 countries!)
- Surf some key websites, including VaquitaCPR, ¡Viva Vaquita!, Sea Shepherd’s Operation Milagro, and the IUCN Red List, Phocoena sinus
- Watch the short documentary films, Souls of the Vermilion Sea and Vaquita: The Business of Extinction
- Listen to songs written about the vaquita: Las Vaquitas Lullaby and Viva la Vaquita
Raise awareness.
- Tell others about the plight of vaquita. Write and share posts on Twitter and Facebook with the tag @IslandPress.
- Host Brooke Bessesen to speak at or video chat with your university, environmental conference, local bookstore, community event.
- Organizations looking to get more involved can email info@islandpress.org. We want to work with you!
Support eco-minded fishermen.
- Fund organizations working with local communities in meaningful ways, including CEDO, WWF Mexico, Environmental Defense Fund, and Pesca ABC.
Vote for protective laws.
- Ask your legislators to enforce the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act.
- Be savvy to the seafood import ban ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade initiated by NRDC and Center for Biological Diversity.
Be a compassionate consumer.
- At stores and restaurants, ask where your seafood comes from.
- Inform your buying choices at Seafood Watch.
- Enjoy 20% off the book, use the code VAQUITA at checkout.
- If you’re a professor, request an exam copy of Vaquita for your class.
- Choose Vaquita as your BOOK CLUB selection or buy several copies as holiday gifts for your friends and family! Email bulk@islandpress.org for more discount information.
- Get the Vaquita study guide for your course or book club here.
- Not a reader? Get the audio book from Audible.
- Download these cool images to post on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.