Vaquita are the world’s most endangered cetacean. There are only about 150 left in the world and according to the BBC 30 are dying annually. While this is no doubt sad, what is ever sadder is why they are dying.

The vaquitas are dying because they’re becoming entangled in fishing nets.  This is only going to get worse as the Mexican government recently cut funding that would take fishing boats out of service or help them get vaquita friendly equipment.  The cut comes as a result of economic problems (many brought on by swine flu) and not enough money being donated to help solve the problem.

This is especially disappointing as it took the government years to even admit there was a problem.

But in the world of porpoise conservation none of this is especially surprising:

“The vaquita, which is also the world’s smallest cetacean, is emblematic of the plight of other dolphins and porpoises around the world, say campaigners.

As government delegates, scientists, whale-hunters and environmentalists discuss the large ocean-traversing cetaceans at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting here, green group WWF’s new report, The Forgotten Whales, concludes that some of the leviathans’ smaller brethren are more at risk.

Earlier this year the baiji or Yangtse River Dolphin was declared probably extinct, and the Critically Endangered vaquita (Phocoena sinus) - another species restricted to a small, specific habitat - will follow suit without swift action, conservationists believe.”

Many conservationists are pinning these animals hopes on the International Whaling Commission, in hopes that they will include the smaller cetaceans. in their conservation efforts.

However, after seeing The Cove and learning more about the politics that come with the IWC I can’t say that at this moment I am super confident.  Although, the response The Cove got while I was at the Nantucket Film Festival was amazing (and even got the Stiller Family involved!) and I can only hope that when the film is released into theaters that folks from around the country go see it, learn from it and then demand change!

*photo by beingzoe (CC)