# Sea Shepherd Vaquita Protection “Operation Milagros”

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/04/sea-shepherd-vaquita-conservation-society-defends-porpoise/
- Published: 2015-04-17T18:52:56-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Let’s go Sea Shepherd Vaquita protection going on! For on the Heels of an Announcement
by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto of the Government’s strong commitment, there
is a renewed sense of hope and urgency surrounding the efforts to [save the critically endangered](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/08/veteran-sea-shepherd-activist-detained-in-japan/)
Vaquita porpoise. As this rare marine mammal faces the brink of extinction due to
illegal fishing practices and habitat loss, environmental organizations, including
Sea Shepherd, are ramping up their campaigns, raising awareness, and mobilizing 
support from communities worldwide. This groundbreaking commitment from the Mexican
government signals a pivotal moment in global conservation efforts, as stakeholders
unite to create and implement effective strategies aimed at protecting not only 
the Vaquita but also the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem in which it resides.

## Protecting the Sea for Vaquita

Sea Shepherd Vaquita protection Plan Reports it has been Documenting the Plight 
of These [Endangered](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/an-individual-has-been-fined-40000-for-engaging-in-the-illegal-trade-of-an-endangered-species/)
Porpoises in the Marine Reserve in the Sea of Cortez

April 17, 2015 – Mexico – Sea Shepherd Conservation Society announces it has had
a crew present in the Sea of Cortez for more than a month on Operation Milagro, 
a campaign dedicated to the protection of the critically endangered vaquita porpoise.

### Sea Shepherd Vaquita protection

With only an estimated 97 vaquitas remaining, this campaign addresses the [urgent need](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/12/climate-change-impacting-20-3-billion-dollar-u-s-winter-sports-tourism-industry-demonstrating-urgent-need-for-climate-action/)
to protect these vulnerable marine mammals from extinction. This news comes on the
heels of yesterday’s announcement by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto. For he
was detailing the government’s firm commitment to conserving the vaquita.

This announcement has inspired hope for this imperiled species. Mexico is enacting
a two-year moratorium on gillnet fishing in the vaquita’s habitat that takes effect
later this month. Moreover, taking other critical steps to protect the endangered
cetacean.

[⌊SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY ANNOUNCES "OPERATION MILAGRO," A CAMPAIGN TO
DEFEND THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED VAQUITA PORPOISE⌉⌊SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY
ANNOUNCES "OPERATION MILAGRO," A CAMPAIGN TO DEFEND THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED VAQUITA
PORPOISE⌉[

SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY ANNOUNCES “OPERATION MILAGRO,” A CAMPAIGN TO DEFEND
THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED VAQUITA PORPOISE

### Operation Protecting the Sea abs Vaquita

Since the launch of Operation Milagro in March of this year, crewmembers aboard 
Sea Shepherd USA’s research sailing vessel, the R/V Martin Sheen. It was captained
by veteran crewmember Oona Layolle.  For they have maintained a presence within 
the marine refuge of the vaquita in the Gulf of California’s Reserve de la Biosphera.

Monitoring and therefore documenting the issues facing this species. The Sea Shepherd
crew has been surprised to see the extent of [illegal fishing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/united-airlines-achieves-top-honor-as-eco-aviation-airline-of-the-year-gold-winner/)
and deadly presence of gillnets. Especially within these [protected waters](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/03/wetland-enhancement-in-midwest-could-help-reduce-catastrophic-floods-of-the-future/).

[⌊A group of six Sea Shepherd crew members sitting on the side of a sailing vessel,
smiling and posing against a sunset backdrop over the ocean.⌉⌊A group of six Sea
Shepherd crew members sitting on the side of a sailing vessel, smiling and posing
against a sunset backdrop over the ocean.⌉[

This is the crew of the R/V Martin Sheen on Operation Milagro. (photo credit: Sea
Shepherd/Carolina A Castro)

The vaquita, the smallest cetacean in the world.

For it is native to this region and is known only to occur here. According to reports
from CIRVA (Comité Internacional para la Recuperación de la Vaquita), a committee
that includes government agencies, marine biologists and NGOs, the vaquita [population is declining](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/10/wildlife-population-decline-in-latin-america/)
by a shocking 18.5 percent each year – and if measures are not taken to halt this
downward spiral, it is believed that the species could be extinct by the year 2018.
Of the estimated 97 remaining vaquitas, only about 25 of the petite porpoises are
believed to be females of reproductive age. In addition, since the vaquita has a
slow reproductive rate. Thereby giving birth to just one calf every two years. For
these animals are being wiped out faster than they can possibly reproduce.

### Sea Shepherd

Sea Shepherd commends the Mexican government. Especially for the vital actions it
is taking to prevent the extinction of the vaquita. Along with the two-year moratorium
on gillnet fishing in the vaquita’s habitat. For that’s located in the northern 
Gulf of California.

I mean government has offered the use of speedboats to the Navy to patrol the reserve.
During yesterday’s press conference in San Felipe, President Nieto officially presented
to the Navy the keys to the vessels. Those that will now be dedicated to protecting
the vaquita by patrolling for poachers and helping to enforce the gillnet ban.

In addition, Mexico is spending more than $30 million USD on efforts. That’s including
a net “buy-out” compensation program for fishermen who agree to stop using gillnets.
The government will also strongly encourage the use of other ideas. Those less destructive
fishing methods that will not harm the dwindling vaquita population.

### Sea Vaquitas

The vaquitas often become by-catch in gillnets set by both legal and illegal fisheries.
The biggest threat to the vaquitas’ survival is likely now the gillnets of illegal
poaching operations. Of course seeking the totoaba fish. Especially because it’s
a critically endangered marine species itself.

#### Totoaba

The totoaba is a prized and lucrative catch for poachers who cash in on the high
price tag of the fish’s swim bladder, which is exported from Mexico, often being
sent through the [United States](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/power-consumption-facts-for-the-united-states-and-the-environment/),
and sold on the illegal black market in China, where it is served in soup. CIRVA
reports that fishermen can receive as much as $8,500 USD for just one kilogram of
swim bladder. The fish are caught, their bladders are removed and the rest of each
critically endangered totoaba. All which can reach two meters in length – is simply
left to rot.

#### Gillnets

Gilnets are set on the bottom of the sea. Thereby leaving a deadly trap not only
for fish but for the vaquita as well. The porpoises become trapped in the nets, 
and unable to reach the surface for air, they drown.

Mexico is leading the way in the movement to save the last vaquitas on Earth. [Sea Shepherd](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/pacific-leatherback-turtle-conservation-efforts/)
hopes that the U.S. and Chinese governments will follow suit and take decisive steps
together to end the illegal totoaba trade that is threatening both endangered species.

Sea Shepherd hopes to work with Mexico in its ongoing efforts in this region to 
protect the diminishing vaquita population and its habitat. Throughout our history,
Sea Shepherd has had great success working with governments and officials to protect
ocean wildlife and oppose poaching operations.

#### Sea Shepherd Efforts

Since 2000, Sea Shepherd has maintained a positive presence in the [Galápagos](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/01/first-evidence-of-ocean-warming-around-galapagos-corals/)
Islands. Thereby working in cooperation with the Ecuadorian government and the Galapagos
National Park Service. Especially to [protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site from illegal shark finning](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/06/oregon-protects-shark-fins-with-new-legislation/)
and the trafficking of wildlife.

Among other efforts, Sea Shepherd has provided an AIS tracking system to monitor
vessels operating within the Galapagos Marine Reserve. In addition, he worked with
Ecuadorian police to form an elite K-9 unit. One that’s dedicated to detecting contraband
wildlife. That’s the first unit of its kind in South America.

Along with efforts to document the plight of the vaquita in the marine reserve, 
Sea Shepherd has been active in outreach in the region to discuss efforts to protect
these elusive and endangered cetaceans. Captain Layolle and members of her crew 
have met with marine biologists, vaquita experts and other NGOs in Mexico dedicated
to this important work in a cooperative effort to assist this species on the brink
of extinction. The Mexican government has shown itself to be serious about protecting
its [marine wildlife](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/04/deepwater-horizon-impacts-marine-wildlife-and-habitats/).
Sea Shepherd stands ready to assist in defense of the world’s remaining vaquitas,
before it is too late.

#### Conclusion

So President Peña Nieto said yesterday that Mexico is home to 10% of the world’s
bio-diversity.  Moreover, he has shown that the government is willing to protect
that remarkable eco-system. Because this vulnerable marine species calls for Mexico’s
waters: its only home on Earth.

Sea Shepherd believes the miracle of the vaquita’s survival is not only possible.
In addition, he will do everything we can to help.

In addition and for more information on Operation Milagro, please visit: [http://www.seashepherd.org/milagro/.](https://seashepherd.org/campaigns/milagro/)

_Source: Sea Shepherd Conservation Society USA_