Science Friday (Test Run)
I came across a headline that read, "There May Be Fewer Than 19 Vaquitas Left In The Wild."
What the heck is a vaquita??
The world's smallest porpoise, about five feet long, has only been known since 1958.
They are, in fact, the rarest marine animal on the planet, and researchers have confirmed a 70% decline in clicks detected (echolocation) from 2017 to 2018. They believe numbers have declined by 98% since they began tracking in 2011.
Mexico has established the Vaquita Refuge Area, as their population is believed to be limited to the area in the Gulf of California's northern tip.
Unfortunately this area is also home to the totoaba fish, which is threatened by illegal fishing practices, as it is a valuable commodity in China. These threats (gillnets) affect the vaquita as well.
["Despedida la Vaquita" by Frédérique Lucas]
"SEA OF SHADOWS follows a team of dedicated scientists, high-tech conservationists, investigative journalists and courageous undercover agents as well as the Mexican Navy as they put their lives on the line to save the last remaining vaquitas and bring the vicious international crime syndicate to justice."
http://www.vivavaquita.org/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/films/sea-of-shadows/#/
Sorry friends, science isn't always fun - but it's important to be informed.
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