Save the Vaquita - Boycott Mexican Shrimp
Vaquitas -- the world's smallest and most endangered porpoises -- live only in Mexico's northern Gulf of California. After suffering decades of decline due to entanglement in shrimp-fishing gear, vaquitas are down to only 30 individuals left on Earth.
Without swift, strong action by the Mexican government, they could disappear forever by 2020. But Mexico has failed to keep its promises to save the vaquita. Its latest measure -- a temporary, two-year ban on the use of vaquita-killing gillnets, established in April 2015 -- has been inadequate and unenforced. Vaquitas are still dying as gillnet use continues, in blatant violation of the ban. Vessels large and small, including shrimp boats, have been caught fishing illegally inside the vaquita refuge area, and the refuge is littered with illegal totoaba nets.
It's time for us to put pressure on Mexico to do the right thing. Add your name today to tell Mexican officials that you'll be participating in an international boycott of Mexican shrimp until they step up enforcement and permanently ban all dangerous gillnets in vaquita habitat.
I am writing to express my extreme concern that only 30 vaquitas remain on Earth. Without immediate, strong action by your government, these porpoises likely will go extinct by 2020.
Mexico's international reputation is being tarnished by its failure to protect the vaquita from illegal fishing.
The temporary, two-year ban on gillnetting adopted by your government in April 2015 has been insufficient and unenforced. Vaquitas are still dying as gillnet use continues in blatant violation of the ban. Vessels large and small, including shrimp boats, have been caught fishing illegally inside the vaquita refuge area, and the refuge is littered with illegal totoaba nets.
We may lose the vaquita in three years if your government doesn't take strong and immediate action. I will not purchase any shrimp products from Mexico until your government institutes an immediate, indefinite ban on all gillnets in the Upper Gulf of California; conducts robust monitoring, net removal and enforcement; and ensures the stabilization and eventual recovery of the vaquita.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
