Class 4A at the elementary school in Ober St. Veit near Vienna ran a fantastic fundraising campaign over several weeks to support the critically endangered vaquita and the YAQU PACHA conservation project. They raised an impressive total of 1,071 euros. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Class 4A for their wonderful support. The donation will be used specifically for the rescue and conservation of the vaquita in the Gulf of California in Mexico.
YAQU PACHA is collaborating with Pesca ABC to establish alternative fishing methods that prevent vaquitas from ending up in nets. These alternative techniques are based on line-and-hook fishing and provide fishermen with particularly high-quality fish. The method has been very well received and is gradually becoming established in the northern part of the Gulf of California, where the vaquita lives.
In addition, the Mexican government has sunk concrete blocks with steel hooks in the vaquita’s range. This deters illegal fishermen from fishing in this area, as they would otherwise destroy their nets.
These two methods are intended to stabilize the vaquita population. We hope that we will spot young vaquitas again during the next census. That would be a sign that the population is recovering. Currently, we estimate the total population to be between 8 and 10 vaquitas.
Once again, a heartfelt thank you to Class 4A and everyone who helped raise this fantastic amount.
100% of the donations will go toward saving the vaquita and our species conservation project in collaboration with Pesca ABC.
