Overview
- Mexican agencies and Sea Shepherd estimated 7–10 vaquitas after a September visual cruise guided by acoustic detections collected from May through September.
- Scientists documented juveniles and observed a female called Frida that appears possibly pregnant, indicating ongoing reproduction.
- The new estimate points to stabilization compared with 2024’s 6–8 animals, suggesting the recent sharp decline did not continue this year.
- Detections outside the current zero‑tolerance zone led researchers to urge expanding protected areas and maintaining strict enforcement at sea.
- Authorities emphasized eliminating illegal totoaba gillnets and providing viable livelihoods for local fishers, with additional monitoring results expected in early 2026.