Nets are the biggest threat to the Vaquita Porpoise and other species in these waters.
On February 14, 2025, the Sea Shepherd vessel Seahorse, stationed 24/7 in the Zero Tolerance Area (ZTA) of the Vaquita Porpoise Refuge, detected an illegal fishing vessel in the central zone on it’s long-range radar. Our crew deployed drone surveillance, capturing video and photographic evidence while tracking the vessel’s movements. Once the incursion was confirmed, Sea Shepherd immediately alerted the Mexican Navy, providing real-time coordinates and imagery of the panga.
The vessel had no name, no registration number, and no identification hologram—clear indicators of illegal activity. It remained in the area for 40 to 50 minutes before sustained pressure from Sea Shepherd’s drone and the approaching Navy forced it to flee. When the Navy intercepted the vessel, they discovered it was operating under a cloned fishing permit, a tactic commonly used by poachers attempting to exploit the refuge.
Following Sea Shepherd’s alert, the Navy, working alongside CONAPESCA and PROFEPA, swiftly intercepted the panga and initiated legal proceedings, as confirmed by the Navy Inspector on board. This rapid enforcement underscores the critical role of constant monitoring in protecting the vaquita from illegal fishing.
The Seahorse is the only permanent large vessel stationed in the Vaquita Refuge, ensuring that illegal activity does not go unnoticed. With advanced radar, drones, and a dedicated crew, Sea Shepherd provides the intelligence authorities need to take immediate action. With fewer than 10 vaquitas left, every second counts. We will continue to stand watch, ensuring the ocean’s most endangered marine mammal has a fighting chance to survive.
Sea Shepherd is 100% donor-funded, with a lean, agile team operating remotely and from our ships on the water. Every donation goes directly to the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and the defense of marine life worldwide.
