Vaquita

The Vaquita which is the most endangered porpoise is a tiny porpoise that keeps being caught in bycatch due to a... Chinese delicacy.
Because apparently dried (endangered) Totoaba fish's swim bladders are a delicacy and are sold for thousands to wealthy diners as they have supposed medicinal qualities.
Seeing as the swim bladder is a sac of gas needed for buoyancy, I might as well sell my kidney and fill it with air, as that would probably be more nutritious.

Population declined by 90% from 2011 in order to meet the demand for totoaba.
There are 30 porpoise left in the wild population.

This is with the protection of the Mexican navy and many conservation groups trying to ban gillnets and take them out of the ocean, but the Totoaba fishermen put thousands in the protected area.

They are trying to start a captive breeding program for these tiny porpoises but as they give birth to live young every two years, it will be difficult. But hopefully with awareness and support this path can help to save the Vaquita.

!!

Original Article:https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/27/science/vaquitas-dolphins-mexico-extinction.html?_r=0