By Anastasia Scott. Dec 19, 2025

November 13, 2025

The vaquita is the most endangered marine mammal on the planet. Only a few remain, primarily in the Gulf of California, where their survival has been pushed to the limit by the use of deadly fishing gear known as gillnets.

Gillnets have been banned in Mexico for about 10 years, but a lack of enforcement and limited access to alternative fishing gear have allowed illegal gillnet use to remain widespread. Even in protected areas, illegal fishing persists.

This past year, a team of scientists conducted their annual estimate of the vaquita population in the Gulf of California and found a very hopeful sign.

One vaquita, named Frida after the Mexican artist, was observed with a calf in 2022. Unfortunately, that calf likely did not survive, as the first two years of a vaquita’s life are the most vulnerable. However, this year Frida was spotted again—pregnant.

This year’s estimate of the vaquita population is slightly higher than last year’s, though it remains under 15. The vaquita is still critically endangered and requires human intervention to survive. Without significant change, vaquitas will continue to be harmed by dangerous fishing practices. Encouragingly, the Mexican government is putting plans in place to better enforce existing protections, but much work remains to be done. Click here to learn more from the original article on InsideClimateNews.org.

Dr. Hiram Rosales Nanduca is a biologist, researcher, and professor at the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur (UABCS), and someone with whom we have had the great fortune to work closely since 2018. Born in Mexico City, Hiram completed both his undergraduate degree and postgraduate studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). While his academic training is notable, what truly sets him apart is the deep connection and commitment he maintains to the ocean and to the people and animals that depend on it.

Hiram is the founder and principal investigator of MMAPE (Marine Megafauna and Fisheries). His laboratory and research projects focus on applied ecology, conservation, and the general study of marine mammals in Mexico. Through MMAPE, Hiram integrates rigorous science, hands-on fieldwork, and a genuine commitment to the protection of marine life. His work spans numerous species and regions, always with the same goal: to better understand marine mammals in order to care for them more effectively.

Anyone who has spent time with Hiram knows that he is happiest when he is at sea. He works with an impressive diversity of marine mammal species throughout Mexican waters, a reality that involves long days on the ocean, early mornings, extended sunsets, and very little routine. MMAPE’s main research projects are currently carried out in the Revillagigedo Islands and in the Gulf of California, and one of the projects he is most proud of is a citizen science initiative focused on orcas in the Gulf of California. In this type of work, flexibility is essential: conditions change, plans are adjusted, and the sea always has the final say.

In addition to his research work, Hiram is a dedicated professor at UABCS. He balances teaching, student mentorship, and the writing of scientific articles with demanding fieldwork. At the university, he is known for being thoughtful, patient, and generous with his time. In the field, his days begin before sunrise and end at dusk, often aboard small research vessels, with quick meals, constant observation, and total focus on the animals. When calls come in for strandings, rescues, or urgent situations involving whales, dolphins, or sea lions, Hiram is among the first to step forward to help.

Hiram has worked closely with the Mexico Marine Wildlife Rescue Center since 2018, providing both scientific guidance and hands-on support, both of which have been deeply meaningful. He played a key role in establishing a formal collaboration that allowed the rescue center to operate safely and effectively within UABCS facilities in Pichilingue. When field situations become complex, Hiram steps in without hesitation as a vessel captain, supporting species identification, interpreting animal behavior, and accompanying rescue teams in making critical decisions under pressure.

One of the ways Hiram has transformed both research and rescue work is through the use of drone technology. Today, drones are an essential tool in MMAPE’s work and also play a key role in his support of rescue efforts. Their use makes it possible to monitor whales and sea lions from a safe distance, assess their condition and behavior, and follow animals after procedures such as anesthesia or medical interventions. This approach reduces stress on the animals and increases the safety of everyone involved, while also providing valuable real-time information.

Beyond rescue scenarios, Hiram uses drones extensively in scientific research, leading non-invasive studies on the size, body condition, and behavior of whales and other cetaceans. Through MMAPE, he also participates in and collaborates on innovative projects that combine multispectral drone imagery with satellite data, opening new possibilities for large-scale marine monitoring without disturbing animals in their natural environment.

What truly defines Hiram is his generosity in sharing knowledge and his firm belief that science should be accessible. Education and scientific communication are at the heart of everything he does. He is deeply committed to training students, working collaboratively with coastal communities and fishers, and helping people feel more connected to the ocean. Hiram often refers to whales, dolphins, and sea lions as ambassadors of the sea, and he lives that idea every day—helping others see these animals not just as species, but as individuals with stories worth protecting.

The return of whale sharks, playful sea lion pups, and migratory whales marks one of the most vibrant times of the year in the Gulf of California. Here's what our rescue and conservation team is seeing in the water right now.