International scientists from Mexico, the United States, United Kingdom and Japan came together using three research vessels to embark on a unique co-operative scientific expedition to study the fragile vaquita population.

A critical part of the plan is to estimate the number of animals using both visual and acoustic methods. These animals are shy, rarely approach boats and are extremely difficult to see. So researchers are devising new methods to detect and monitor vaquita by listening for their vocalizations. Specially designed underwater microphones and buoys are being deployed to listen for and record the animals.

Over a 10-year period, scientists will be able to study the abundance trends in this tiny population – whether the vaquita numbers increase or decrease. If nothing changes for this species regarding the threat of entanglement in fishing nets, scientists give the population two years before it disappears altogether and the vaquita goes extinct.