Daily News Analysis » Extinction Alert for Vaquita Porpoise

Extinction Alert for Vaquita Porpoise

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has issued its first-ever extinction warning for the vaquita porpoise.

Vaquita Porpoise

  • Smallest cetacean known as the “panda of the sea” due to distinctive eye circles and dorsal fin.
  • Unique warm-water porpoise species found in the Gulf of California, Mexico.
  • Declared Critically Endangered by the IUCN and listed on CITES Appendix I.
  • Population reduced by 83% between 2015 and 2018 due to gillnet bycatch targeting totoaba fish.
  • The species faces critical endangerment due to illegal fishing practices.

Why in News: 

  • The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has issued its first-ever extinction warning for the vaquita porpoise.

 

The International Whaling Commission – IWC:

  • IWC was established in 1946 as the global body responsible for management of whaling and conservation of whales. 
  • Established under the terms of the 1946 International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling
  • HQ: Impington, near Cambridge, England.
  • Objective: to provide for the proper conservation of whale stocks.