Vaquita

August 1, 2018

Wildlife expert Bessesen (Arizona Highways Wildlife Guide: 125 of Arizona's Native Species) presents the tragic case of the vaquita, the world's smallest cetacean living exclusively in the upper portion of the Gulf of California. It's estimated there are less than 60 vaquitas alive today. The story of the porpoise's demise is intertwined with illegal fishing for the totoaba fish, poached for its swim bladders used in soups with supposed curative powers in Chinese cuisine. The totoaba is now considered critically endangered owing to this extensive poaching. The author describes how fishermen's gillnets used to catch the totoaba unintentionally caught vaquitas as well, thus causing their almost extinction. Fishing for totoaba has now been banned, yet the damage has already been done. Bessesen explores the many facets contributing to this environmental tragedy, including the link to powerful drug cartels, the loss of livelihood to Mexican fisherman, and the committed environmentalists attempting to save this species. VERDICT A compelling story surrounding yet another species imperiled by human activities.--Diana Hartle, Univ. of Georgia Science Lib., Athens

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