The population of the harbor porpoise is increasing again in the Gulf of Mexico
With a body length of 1.50 to 2.50 meters, it is the smallest of the whale family. It is on the list of the 100 most endangered species and is considered the world's most endangered species of all whale and dolphin species.
There is also a (unfortunately dwindling) small population in the North Sea, Baltic Sea and Elbe. However, it is unfortunately declining, as in the rest of the world, because it is seriously threatened with extinction.
For the first time, a slight sigh of relief is now possible in the Gulf of Mexico, as the number of harbor porpoises or vaquitas, as they are called here, has increased slightly. Good news!
Why is this species threatened with extinction?
On the one hand, natural events such as storm surges, hurricanes or rapid ice formation are decimating the number of harbor porpoises, but the greater part is due to human influence.
Tourism, shipping, whale hunting and poaching and fishing (by-catch) are all to blame for the whale decline. However, environmental pollution is mainly responsible for the sharp decline in whale numbers.
Noise from seismic exploration or submarines should not be underestimated in this context. It causes great stress for the animals.
All these factors together result in an overall burden that is leading to an unstoppable decline in the number of individuals and a loss of biodiversity.
Population increase in the Gulf of Mexico
According to the Mexican Ministry of the Environment, at least ten to 13 of the endangered animals now live there. Two years ago, only eight porpoises were counted.
The species is rarely seen at all. To count the vaquitas, a research team traveled by boat in a protected area. As the researchers were only in a small part of the original distribution area, it is possible that there are even more porpoises in total.
We can thank a general ban on the use of gillnets in the upper Gulf region for this increase in the population of this highly endangered species.
So you can see that political decisions can often be a real blessing. 💚
