On September 4th J-pod slowly made their way out of Admiralty Inlet and in along the west side of San Juan Island right at dusk. We were losing the sun quickly but there was just enough light for me to record them as they went by. Here’s a video recap of our very lucky encounter where we saw them passing through the calm water and beautifully colored sky. I hope you enjoy!

Can someone please tell me if this is a whale fin, or maybe a shark…?

We are so close to losing them 😔

Vaquitas are not just another marine animal; they are a critical component in determining the health of our ocean ecosystems. With a mere 6-10 individuals left, their existence hangs by a fragile thread, primarily due to gillnet fishing in the Gulf of California. These small porpoises play a vital role in their ecosystem and food web, embodying the intricate balance of marine life.

The vaquita’s decline is a stark indicator of how unsustainable practices impact our ocean’s biodiversity. Their plight highlights the urgent need for better enforcement of fishing regulations and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices that protect rather than destroy our marine habitats.

Gillnets, used extensively in illegal fishing operations, trap vaquitas, leading to fatalities that could easily be avoided. Mexican authorities, global conservation organizations, and international communities need to collaborate to implement stricter regulations, enforce bans on gillnet fishing, and ensure patrols are adequately managed to protect these beautiful creatures.

Supporting projects for alternative livelihoods for local fishers is also crucial. By promoting eco-friendly and sustainable fishing methods, we can protect vaquitas while providing economic stability to local communities.

Without immediate action, we are at the brink of losing these marvelous creatures forever. Their extinction would not only signify the loss of a species but signal a deeper failing in the preservation of our oceans. Help us fight for the future of vaquitas and the health of our marine environments.
The porpoise conservation society works to prevent entanglement in fishing nets. Contact the NOAA Fisheries.gov and the porpoise conservation if you believe there is any illegal gillnet fishing going on. Preventing this prevents vaquitas from going extinct.

Raise your voice. Sign the petition to demand immediate action to save the vaquita and protect our ocean's biodiversity.

Help save the critically endangered vaquita - Sign the Petition! c.org/vSTPsP8SWK prin @Change

Any recommendations on which boat to book?

Amazing day in Moss Landing.

--Sorry about the filming quality, I was trying to record and watch at the same time and they were really far away--

I saw them a few weeks ago at the rock-walk between Milford and Takapuna beach, Waitematā Harbour, New Zealand. There was around 250+, all travelling in smaller groups of 10-25.

Hey everyone,

I was wondering what the best Whale Watching companies are in Sydney? I have gone with Cronulla whale watching and they are great but I do want to try a cruise starting in the city? I am booked for go whale watching tomorrow but plan to do some more trips before the season ends.

“There will no longer be any beluga whales or any other type of whales in captivity in Canada at the end of today,” Andrew Burns, Marineland’s adviser, told The Canadian Press.