Expert marine mammal researchers spotted up to 10 of the porpoises during a recent survey in the Upper Gulf of California. They warn the species remains at risk of extinction until safer fishing gear is developed to prevent deadly entanglements.By Teresa TomassoniTo spot a vaquita porpoise requires calm winds, clear skies and waters smooth as glass. But in September, those conditions were hard to come by off the coast of San Felipe, a small fishing town in Baja California, Mexico. It was hurricane season, and for most of the month strong winds churned up heavy swells as a group of veteran marine mammal researchers conducted an annual survey of the rare marine mammal—a challenging task, even in the best of conditions. 

Read original article

Read original article