Last month, the Mexican government planted eight million trees to symbolize its commitment to the environment, and now it’s one-upping itself by providing $16 million to try and save an endangered porpoise.

The vaquita marina - which literally means “little sea cow” - is dwindling at a population of only about 150, down from 500 a decade ago. The porpoise is threatened by fishermen along the Gulf of California, who catch the animals in their nets by the dozens each year. From the Associated Press:

Plans include paying fishermen to avoid the porpoise’s habitat or give up drag nets that drown dozens of the shy, dolphinlike animals each year. Some will even be paid to stop fishing forever.

Working fishermen will be paid $4,500 a day to not fish. And, in some instances, the government is going even farther:

The government will also grant fishermen up to US$35,000 to learn safer techniques, such as catching shrimp with traps too small to ensnare the porpoises. Others will receive as much as US$60,000 for handing over their boats, motors and licenses and quitting the trade completely.

The fishermen, for their part, are not thrilled with the idea as the money paid probably won’t equal the money lost from the cessation of fishing. However, they are willing to go along with the plan to do their part for the environment. Says one fisherman, “We’re participating to help save the species. We’re not convinced, but we’re participating.”

Another reason for the dwindling population comes from the good old U.S. of A. The Gulf of California is fed by the Colorado River, which is flowing less and less as Western states take water out of the river and use it for drinking. I know there’s a better way to word that sentence, but you get the gist.

takepart to read all about the vaquita marina. This website also provided the picture you see above.