Vaquita porpoise are now recognized as one of the rarest critical endangered marine animals in the world and has now been put under the protection of the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature). Marine biologists estimate that there are only approximately 200 of these porpoises left, and the population declines monthly. The causes of the declining population of the vaquita porpoise are commercial fishermen using gillnets. gillnets are a net that has a long length that the extends about 6 to 12 feet in the water, it acts like a wall to keep the fish inside, but when fish attempt to escape out of the holes they get stuck. These nets are used to catch fish like salmon, cod, trout, and other fish. The threat when using these nets are other animals get caught also including the vaquita porpoise killing more than are born. 

 These vaquita porpoises are only found in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, and north of the Gulf of Mexico in Baja California. Environments these mammals live in are shallow lagoons that have high tidal mixtures of aquatic life. They feed on bottom dwelling fish such as squid and other dimersal fish (the dwelling at or near the bottom of a body of water).

Vaquita's have a unique appearance with dark rings around their eyes and mouth with a darkish for body with a tall dorsal fin. These porpoises weight up to 55kg (120 lb) with the estimated length for a male is 1.4' and female 1.5'.In order for vaquita's to mature they have to be approximately 1.3m (4.4'). New born vaquita's are born in the spring (March/April). The gestation period for the female lasts for 11-12 months, but can only have a baby every other year. Vaquita's live for about 21 years and have never been held in captivity.