Vaquita Research Paper

Words: 410
Pages: 2

The vaquita is the world's most endangered marine species, with fewer than ten remaining in the wild by 2022. This species lives only in the upper Gulf of California, and its population has fallen by more than 95% since 1997. The vaquita's survival is most threatened by capture by illegal fishing businesses. Vaquitas frequently become trapped in fish and shrimp netting, resulting in drowning. Despite efforts by the Mexican government to prosecute these activities and protect the vaquita's ecosystem, the population of vaquitas has been decreasing.

Because of their poor reproductive rate, vaquitas are very difficult to repopulate. By the time they are 6 years old, females enter adulthood and give birth to a single child. Because of their long