Vaquita population increases

Several studies in the Gulf of California protection area suggest the vaquita porpoise might not disappear from the area as previously expected.

Experts now estimate the gulf is home to up to 30 of the aquatic mammals, a huge difference from the nine counted months ago.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Wilderness Life Director Roberto Aviña recently told media outlets the agency, along with U.S. researchers, have been monitoring the vaquita.

According to experts, the vaquita can reproduce every couple years.

Aviña said the vaquita cannot reproduce in captivity. The agency has no plans to do so.

A few years ago, biologists unsuccessfully tried to breed the vaquita in captivity, but the young animal died.

Compared to other marine mammals, the vaquita is especially affected by stress.

Last week, the Autonomous University of Baja California held an event in San Felipe to release thousands of totoaba fry — another Gulf of California species under threat of extinction that is particularly prized in Asian markets.

Illegal totoaba fishing impacts vaquita as the porpoises are caught in nets and die.

Totoaba has been upgraded from a threatened species to a vulnerable species.