You can help the Aquarium of the Pacific protect a critically endangered species and spread the message of conservation on International Save the Vaquita Day. Found only in the northern part of the Gulf of California, Mexico, the vaquita porpoise is the world’s most endangered marine mammal. Only about thirty vaquitas remain, according to a report by the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (CIRVA).
The Aquarium will host activities and education booths to build public awareness of the vaquita and the threats that have brought it to the brink of extinction. The Aquarium of the Pacific and a team of aquariums and zoos across the country are asking the public to get involved in a campaign to help this animal, the smallest cetacean (whale, dolphin, or porpoise) on the planet. The vaquita population has declined by more than 90 percent since 2011. Unless Mexico extends the gillnet ban enacted in 2015 and enforces regulations to stop illegal fishing, the vaquita will be driven to extinction within a few years, according to CIRVA. Guests to this event can participate in a vaquita selfie station to help spread the word about this critically endangered animal (#4aPorpoise). The event will also include Aztec drumming and dance at 10:30 a.m. and a vaquita craft table, film, game, and presentations throughout the day.
Aquarium guests can view a photo exhibit about the vaquita conservation on the second floor. Storied Seafood: Vaquita Conservation tells the story of the vaquita through the lens of a group of forward-thinking and innovative fishermen from the northern Gulf of California, Mexico who are working with global fishing experts and government and nongovernment organizations to develop and test non-entangling fishing gear that will greatly reduce fishery impacts on the critically endangered porpoise and other protected species in the region. Storied Seafood program developed by the Aquarium’s Seafood for the Future program in collaboration with NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center.
WHEN: Saturday, July 8, 2017. 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
COST: Included with general admission: $29.95 for adults (12+), $17.95 for children (3-11), $26.95 for seniors (62+), and free for children under three years old and Aquarium members.
INFO: For more information visit www.aquariumofpacific.org or www.storiedseafood.org
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AQUARIUM: The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 11,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include the new FROGS: Dazzling and Disappearing, Our Water Future, and Archerfish exhibits. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months, VIP Entrance, and other special benefits.
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