The biggest day of the year for the Vaquita is tomorrow!

International Save the Vaquita Day – Saturday, July 11, 2015

Last year, Saturday, July 12, 2014 was designated as International Save the Vaquita Day! This is intended to be an annual event similar to Earth Day, but with a specific focus on raising awareness and appreciation of the world’s most endangered marine mammal, the Vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Events around the globe directed the attention of people to the plight of this tiny porpoise species, and what needs to be done to save it from extinction. There were booths, games, music, free prizes, educational brochures, educational talks, face painting, and several life-size models of vaquitas on hand to draw attention to and appreciation of the Vaquita, Mexico’s “Panda of the Sea.” This year, ISTVD is on July 11, 2015 (tomorrow!).

Where did the event start?

In 2013, the first-ever Save the Vaquita Day was held on July 4th weekend, but this year the event went international! The event was initiated by the Muskwa Club, with the collaboration of VIVA Vaquita, Save the Whales, the American Cetacean Society (ACS), and several other partner organizations.

What is the goal?

The primary goal is to make as many people as possible aware of the Vaquita and its plight, and spur them to act. The species is nearly extinct, with only about 80 individuals left, and declining at almost 19% per year! We will have a simple message for folks about what they can do to help (either full support for the Mexican Government, or support for a boycott and embargo of Mexican seafood – depending on Mexico’s actions in the next couple of months). Secondary goals are to gather signatures for our petitions to the Mexican government, and also to raise additional funds for future educational and research work on the Vaquita. The event is designed to be fun, as well as educational, and kid-friendly!

Contact Us if you would like to participate.

Confirmed 2015 Events & Locations:

Yesterday, on July 9, there was a rally in Washington D.C. outside of the Mexican Embassy building. The event was a great success, and many volunteers came out to show support for Mexico’s recent actions but stressed that more still needs to be done. Learn more here.

I will be having a table tomorrow at the Franklin Institute, which I am super excited about! Please come out to one of the tables above if you are in the area, and show your support for the world’s most endangered marine mammal!