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Dear John,


My name is Holly, and I’m writing to you as a volunteer deckhand with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Our crew defends the vaquita porpoise, the rarest marine mammal on Earth, patrolling the Upper Gulf of California 24/7 to keep it safe from illegal fishing.

This season brought hope. Between May and September, scientists from Mexico and Sea Shepherd worked together aboard our two largest vessels, using acoustic detectors and visual surveys to identify individual vaquitas while also detecting and deterring illegal fishing. Real conservation happens when science and enforcement operate together on the water.

Their findings revealed at least seven to ten Vaquitas, including one or two calves. Among them was Frida, a female recognized by her bent dorsal fin, seen again this year with a healthy year-old calf, and possibly pregnant again.

The species is still at risk, but the rapid decline has slowed dramatically. Illegal fishing in the most protected area has dropped by 95 percent thanks to Sea Shepherd and our Mexican partners’ constant vigilance. Still, every patrol brings new challenges. We continue to remove illegal nets from surrounding waters that threaten not only the vaquita but also sea lions and countless other species.

Each patrol, each net removed, and each life saved depends on continued support. The fight is far from over, and staying out here takes steady resources to keep our ships fueled, crews supplied, and science ongoing.

As we head into our Million Dollar Match, every dollar you give will be doubled through December 31 to keep our ships on the water and defend the last Vaquitas.


With gratitude,

Holly

Volunteer Deckhand, Sea Shepherd

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