• International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (CIRVA) recommended an emergency plan to help save the vaquita, a rare species of porpoise, from extinction in the northern Gulf of California.
• The plan involves relocating some of the remaining vaquitas to a temporary sanctuary, while crucial efforts aimed at eliminating illegal fishing and removing gill nets from their environment continue.
• The emergency action plan will be led by the Mexican government and supported by a consortium of marine mammal experts from more than a dozen organisations around the world.

Description:

• Vaquitas are the smallest and most endangered species of the cetacean order and are endemic to the northern end of the Gulf of California.
• The vaquita is somewhat stocky and has a classic porpoise shape.
• The species is distinguishable by the dark rings surrounding their eyes, patches on their lips, and a line that extends from their dorsal fins to their mouths.
• Their backs are a dark grey that fades to white undersides. As vaquitas mature, the shades of grey lighten.