An international scientific expedition in Mexico's Gulf of California has spotted up to 25 critically endangered vaquita marina, the world's smallest porpoise. The sightings occurred during the first 20 days of the Vaquita Expedition 2015, which commenced on September 26th. However, scientists caution that some individuals may have been counted more than once.

Fewer than 100

The mission seeks a precise estimate of vaquitas numbers in the region since the government implemented a ban on gillnets, which are blamed for decimating their numbers. The nets are utilized by fishermen to catch the totoaba, a giant fish prized in China. In 2014, a panel of international scientists warned there were fewer than 100 vaquitas remaining, down from 200 specimens in 2012.

The 13-member expedition aboard the ship Ocean Starr includes scientists from Mexico, the United States, Britain and Germany using six huge binoculars called "big eyes." "There is no doubt that we have in front of us an opportunity to avoid the disappearance of a species that Mexico shares with the world," said President Enrique Pena Nieto in his official blog.

Also known as the "Gulf of California porpoise" or "Cochito”, the species was first described by Western scientists in 1958. Individuals attain lengths of 1.2-1.5 m and weigh 30-55 kg. In April of this year, the vaquita’s protected area in the Gulf of California was greatly expanded along with increased navy patrols to curb gillnet usage.