Target: Marth Williams, Director – US Fish and Wildife Service
Goal: Protect the critically endangered vaquita porpoise in the Gulf of California from extinction.
The vaquita porpoise is a critically endangered species that is facing the threat of extinction due to several human activities, particularly the use of illegal fishing nets in their habitat. As the smallest and most endangered cetacean species in the world, there are currently less than 10 individuals remaining in the wild, making it an urgent priority to take action to protect them.
Despite efforts to enforce a ban on gillnets in the Gulf of California, illegal fishing activities continue to threaten the remaining population of vaquita porpoises. It is essential to increase protection and enforcement of this ban to ensure that the Vaquita porpoises are no longer threatened by this harmful practice.
In addition to protection and enforcement, it is necessary to support sustainable fishing alternatives for the local fishing communities in the Gulf of California. This can be achieved through collaboration and coordination between various government agencies, international organizations, and local stakeholders. By providing sustainable fishing alternatives, the local communities can continue to support themselves while also helping to protect the vaquita porpoises and their habitat.
Sign the below petition to urge Dr. Wheeler to take immediate and decisive action to protect the vaquita porpoise and ensure their survival in the wild.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director Williams,
I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to protect the critically endangered vaquita porpoise in the Gulf of California. With less than 10 individuals remaining in the wild, this species is on the brink of extinction due to entanglement in illegal fishing nets.
It is crucial that the US Fish and Wildlife Service works together with other government agencies, international organizations, and local stakeholders to increase protection and enforcement of the ban on gillnets in their habitat, and support sustainable fishing alternatives for the local fishing communities.
I urge you to take decisive action to protect the vaquita porpoise and ensure their survival in the wild. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Shaunak All That Breathes
