Our Last Chance to Fight Extinction

View this email in your browser Dear , If there's one thing you do this Endangered Species Day, add your voice here and join us in the fight to save the vaquita from the brink of extinction.  Save the vaquita The vaquita wasn't discovered until 1958, but a little over half a century later, we are so close to losing them forever. This little porpoise is often caught and drowned in gillnets used by illegal fishing operations in marine protected areas within Mexico's Gulf of California.  To prevent its extinction, a permanent gillnet ban is urgently needed, together with the development of fishing alternatives and effective enforcement to halt illegal totoaba fishing and end its trade from Mexico to China. Urge for strong action now The vaquita could be in its final hour. Read more on Chris Johnson's life-changing experience as he witnessed the shy creature playfully dance at sea.   ""Thinking back to that perfect day at sea on October 18, 2008, absolute awe describes my feelings watching two vaquitas playfully dancing in the sea." -Chris Johnson This is our last chance to help the vaquita.  3 facts about this little porpoise: How many vaquitas are left? A survey released earlier this year estimated the vaquita population was as low as 30 individuals - an all time low for the porpoise.   What do vaquitas look like? The world's smallest porpoise, vaquitas measure up to five-feet long and weigh up to 120 lbs. The vaquita's unique facial markings of a black ring around each eye and black curved lips have been compared to a smiling panda.    What can be done to save the vaquita? Mexican President Peña Nieto has committed to protecting the vaquita. But totoaba fishing– the main threat to vaquitas – has continued to increase. And of course, vaquita numbers have dropped to dangerous lows. The solution is a fully enforced gillnet ban and improved community engagement to save the vaquita and preserve the Gulf of California's outstanding universal value. Help us demand for strong action to bring back the vaquita from the brink of extinction today! Copyright © 2017 WWF International, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website Our mailing address is: WWF International Avenue du Mont Blanc Gland 1196 Switzerland Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list