Mexico to Use Drones to Protect Endangered Vaquita Porpoise from Gillnets
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Associated Press] By Mark Stevenson - January 20, 2015 -
MEXICO CITY, Mexico has begun testing unmanned drones that could help it save the critically endangered vaquita marina, the world's smallest porpoise, which is threatened by illegal fishing in the upper Sea of Cortez.
Alejandro del Mazo, an assistant prosecutor with Mexico's environmental protection agency, said Monday he hopes to have three drones patrolling the vaquita's habitat in coming months.
The vaquita is threatened by illegal gillnet fishing for totoaba, a large fish whose swim bladder is prized by chefs in China. Nets used by fishermen can trap the tiny porpoises, commonly about 5 feet (1.5 metres) long. Mexican authorities have proposed a ban on gillnet fishing in the upper gulf.
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