The Vaquita porpoise can be found in only one place on Earth: the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. Scientists are meeting this week in California to discuss the threats faced by this critically endangered mammal whose population numbers between 100 and 300.This small porpoise can grow to five feet and is often killed in fishing nets, however it's the level of toxic pollutants from the Colorado River which are an even greater concern. Last year, the Chinese River dolphin was declared extinct due to the high levels of pollution in China's Yangtze River.
If you live in San Diego, stop by the Birch Aquarium tonight at 6:30 PM for a two-hour presentation and dialog with over 50 scientists monitoring these, and other, endangered marine mammals.
