Poachers Caught Using Cloned Permit in Vaquita Refuge

On February 14, 2025, Sea Shepherd’s vessel Seahorse detected an illegal fishing boat in the Vaquita Porpoise Refuge. The crew used drones to monitor the vessel, which was found without identification and was suspected of using a cloned fishing permit. The Mexican Navy was alerted and intercepted the poaching boat, leading to legal action against it. This operation highlights the importance of constant surveillance to protect the critically endangered vaquita, of which there are fewer than ten remaining.