Save the Vaquita Day July 6 at the Aquarium of the Pacific

July 3, 2019

You can help the Aquarium of the Pacific spread the word about a critically endangered species on International Save the Vaquita Day on July 6. Found only in the northern part of the Gulf of California, Mexico, the vaquita porpoise is the world’s most endangered marine mammal. Approximately ten vaquitas remain, according to a report by the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita.

The Aquarium will host activities and education booths to build public awareness of the vaquita and the threats that have brought it to the brink of extinction. The Aquarium of the Pacific and a team of aquariums and zoos across the country are asking the public to get involved in the #4aporpoise campaign to help raise awareness about the plight of this animal, the smallest cetacean (whale, dolphin, or porpoise) on the planet. Guests can also participate in a vaquita selfie station and use the hashtag #4aporpoise to spread the word about this critically endangered animal. The event also includes films, and shows.

Conservation efforts are underway to help protect the vaquita, but the situation remains critical. The vaquita population has declined by more than 95 percent since 1997. The Aquarium’s Seafood for the Future program, for example, is working with scientists, chefs, and seafood buyers in Mexico and the U.S. to create market-based incentives for fishermen to use fishing gear that won’t harm the vaquita. Vaquitas are unintentionally caught and drowned in gillnets. The Mexican government enacted a permanent gillnet ban in the area, but illegal fishing continues.

WHEN: Saturday, July 6, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

COST: Included with general admission: $34.95 adult (12+), $31.95 senior (62+), $24.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age three and Aquarium members

INFO: Event webpage