The battle to save the Vaquita of the Gulf of California involves an interesting cast of characters: a Mexican drug cartel, Chinese wildlife traffickers, and an endangered fish’s swim bladder. Scientists believe the critically endangered porpoises, down to a population of 100, could become extinct within three years if drastic action is not taken.

The Vaquita are especially vulnerable to the illegal fishing practices of lowering virtually invisible gill nets into the water from the months of September to June.

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