The vaquita: Chinese medicine is driving world’s smallest porpoise to extinction
In this undated photo released by Proyecto Vaquita, a porpoise is seen trapped in a fishing net at the Gulf of California. Pic: AP.
by 13th January 2016
THE critically endangered vaquita, literally “small cow” in Spanish, is a species of porpoise native to the northernmost portion of the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez. It is both the physically smallest — fully grown females measure 140 cm and males only 135cm — and most endangered species of cetacean in the world.
Since the vaquita has no close relatives on the evolutionary tree, it is considered a crucial species in terms of conservation. Once it dies out, the vaquita’s evolutionary branch dies with it.
Gillnet fishing for TCM cures is wiping out the vaquita
As of now, it is believed that less than 100 individual examples of the species remain and that the overall vaquita population is declining at a rate of 18.5 percent each year. With such small numbers, inbreeding is probably now affecting the genetic health of the population.
The practice of gillnet fishing, used to illegally catch another endangered aquatic species within the shared habitat, is the major cause of the vaquita’s demise, resulting in an estimated 39 deaths per year. Vaquitas are unintentionally caught and killed by the practice. Though gillnet fishing is banned within half of the cetacean’s environment, their numbers are still declining at a rapid rat
Gillnet fishing is used to catch totoaba, an officially threatened species that, like the vaquita, is endemic to the Gulf of Mexico and the only member of its genus. It also just happens to be roughly the same size as the vaquita. Though not a popular product by any means, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the totoaba’s swim bladder — sometimes called its “maw” — is valued as a treatment for health ailments such as skin and circulatory problems, as well as a means of boosting fertility. The bladder is also a prized ingredient in soups.
Clare Perry, team leader, Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) oceans campaign, is quoted in the Guardian:
The vaquita’s extinction clock stands at one minute to midnight and the species is being pushed into oblivion by the demand of a relatively small number of Chinese consumers of totoaba maw.
As is the case with shark fins, sea horses, sun bear gall bladders and tiger penises, there is absolutely no scientific evidence of any medicinal value inherent in totoaba bladder. Sadly, the vaquita and totoaba are victims of myth and the latter’s status symbol as an ingredient. Their eventual extinctions are being facilitated by a massive increase of wealth in China and other parts of Asia, coupled with lingering superstitions regarding the supposed curative properties of their body parts.
The only solution is enforcing a total ban on gillnet fishing
Totoaba fishing has been illegal since 1975 and under the authority of the Mexican government, gillnet fishing in general is under a two-year ban within the vaquita’s habitat. While fishermen use gillnets to catch shark, shrimp and fish in the Gulf of Mexico, the skyrocketing price of totoaba bladders has resulted in a spate of poaching.
According to experts, only an enforced, complete and total removal of gillnets from the entire range of the vaquita’s habitat can save this little porpoise from extinction.
In this instance, activist groups like Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd are on the side of the Mexican government and are assisting its efforts to protect the vaquita.
We hope that our collaboration with the Mexican government will set an example for other governments. The vaquita needs our vigilant efforts to survive. Sea Shepherd will not be deterred in protecting marine wildlife.—Captain Oona Layolle, Sea Shepherd
