ENSENADA, Mexico - Mexico has begun a US$16-million campaign to save a highly endangered type of porpoise from fishing nets in the upper Gulf of California.
Scientists say they believe the population of the vaquita marina -- Spanish for "little sea cow" -- has dwindled to 150 or less from more than 500 a decade ago.
The money will be dedicated to stepping up enforcement of fishing regulations in the warm, still waters of the far northern Gulf, a designated nature preserve.
The government also will use the funds to buy nets from local fishermen, who will be taught other fishing methods or trained in new trades.
The big nets drown dozens of vaquitas each year.
Also known as the Gulf of California porpoise, the elusive vaquita was only discovered in 1958.
