Recently, scientists said six vaquita porpoises were spotted playing in the water off the coast of Mexico's Gulf of California, bringing hope for the world's smallest porpoise that is facing the threat of extinction.

The vaquita is known as the "panda of the sea" because it has black circles around its eyes, and has the same fate as pandas on survival. Due to illegal fishing, the vaquita has almost been wiped out in the Gulf of California. 

According to research, the current population for vaquitas in the world may be around 30, from about 600 in 1999. It has been listed as "Critically Endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List since 1996.

To protect the vaquitas, the Mexican government published a series of policies, trying to stop illegal fishing for these creatures. An international research team was also formed to monitor their population, reproduction and habitat conditions.

(Cover image: A vaquita swims off the coast of the Gulf of California, Mexico on September 3, 2019. /VCG Photo)

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