Nature and environment - Conservation - Marine conservation - Bycatch
Which marine mammal is considered the most endangered in the world?
Correct!
The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is a small porpoise found only in the northern Gulf of California in Mexico. It is considered the world's most endangered marine mammal. A survey published in 2025 estimated that perhaps only about 7 to 10 animals remain. The greatest danger is posed by gillnets, in which vaquitas become entangled as bycatch and drown. Illegal fishing for totoaba has contributed especially to the population's dramatic decline. Despite its extremely small population, research indicates that the species could still recover if lethal net fishing in its habitat were effectively stopped.
The vaquita survives only in the northern Gulf of California, where gillnets are its greatest threat.
