Frontlines Update · October 2026
Protection Depends on Presence
The M/V Seahorse gives our crews a base for defending vaquita habitat in Mexico’s Upper Gulf of California. Radar tracks vessels, sonar helps locate submerged fishing gear, and thermal drones extend surveillance far beyond the ship. A fast boat lets our crew investigate at close range and coordinate a response with Mexican authorities.
Your support helps keep the Seahorse equipped, maintained and crewed. In late October, years of presence and partnership in these waters helped our team rescue an entangled sea lion pup we named Penelope. Thank you for making that continued presence possible.
Upper Gulf of California · Sea Lion Rescue
This mission began in 2015 as an emergency response to defend the vaquita porpoise, the most endangered marine mammal on Earth. Since then, our teams and Mexican partners have pulled thousands of pieces of fishing gear from these waters, including illegal nets, lines, buoys and sinkers.
As we shared in our recent vaquita update, that sustained commitment has helped dramatically reduce illegal fishing in the Zero Tolerance Area, a critical part of the vaquita’s remaining habitat.
Keeping nets out requires a continued watch. Beyond that protected core, fishing gear still threatens sea lions and other wildlife. Lost and discarded nets can keep catching animals long after the fishing has stopped.
The nets that threaten the vaquita also entangle sea lions, sharks, rays and other wildlife. The ships, experienced crews and partnerships built to defend the vaquita give us the ability to help these animals, too. Penelope’s rescue is part of that continuing mission.
At Scorpion Reef, the M/V Sharkwater helps sustain that same presence. Working with Mexican authorities, our teams patrol protected waters, document illegal fishing and monitor wildlife. Returning crews deepen their knowledge of the reef and the animals they defend.
Protection depends on presence. Thank you for helping us stay.
Upper Gulf of California
Meet Penelope
Penelope was the pup our team reached in late October. Other entangled sea lions still need help. Each rescue depends on locating and safely reaching the animal. Staying present gives our teams the chance to respond when those opportunities arise.
This month, our Direct Action Crew members can watch Penelope’s rescue. Join them for a closer look at the work that sustained presence makes possible.
Your monthly gift helps keep vessels operating, experienced crews in the field and teams ready to respond. Join the Direct Action Crew to watch the rescue and help sustain that presence.
Thank you for standing with our crews and the animals they work to protect.
More Ways to Support
Help keep our ships at sea and our crews ready for the next patrol or rescue with a gift today.
Every purchase from the Sea Shepherd Store supports our conservation work.
