The Vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is a rare species of porpoise endemic to the northern extreme of the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), Mexico. It is the most critically endangered of all cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) with an estimated 150 animals remaining.

The main threat to the survival of the vaquita is incidental catches in fishing gear, especially gillnets set for shrimp and fish. The shrimp is destined for the US market where it is now that nations most popular seafood choice.

Vaquita aren’t the intended target of the gillnet fishery, they are merely the bycatch of local fishers trying to earn a living and feed their families. For the fishers of El Golfo de Santa Clara, San Felipe and Puerto Penasco, the vaquita is collateral damage.
For the vaquita, these invisible walls of netting cause them to become hopelessly entangled and they quickly drown when they cannot reach the surface to breath.