32: Extinction, Vaquita Porpoise Conservation, and SAFE Food Label Discussion with David Bader the Director of Education at Aquarium of the Pacific

May 22, 2018

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Extinction, Vaquita conservation, life as a Director of Education, SAFE food labels, and more!

About David:

“He has a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a master’s degree in biology with an emphasis in educational media design from the University of California, Irvine. As the Aquarium’s director of education, Bader develops and manages school and public programs, education department long-term planning and staffing, exhibit development, interpretation training, and grant development. In 2015 Bader became the public engagement project coordinator for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Vaquita SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program. Key areas of his expertise include marine biology, oceanography, interpretation of current ocean science for the public, vaquita conservation, and the biology and ecology of various marine animals, from sharks to sea jellies.” Source

Vaquita SAFE

“The vaquita is the most critically endangered cetacean in the world and can only be found in the northwestern corner of the Gulf of California, Mexico. This porpoise population is in rapid decline as a direct result of the animals being caught in fishing gillnets.  The latest data estimates the population to have less than 30 individuals and the vaquita is in severe risk of going extinct.

The Need for SAFE

  • Between 2010 and 2014 alone, three AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums reported taking part in a variety of field conservation projects benefiting vaquitas. Over those five years, the AZA community invested over $50,000 in vaquita conservation. See AZA’s Conservation and Research Database for more information.
  • Most projects were associated with obtaining visual (photo and video) records, assessing wild populations, and conducting conservation education programs.
  • A primary threat to vaquitas is entanglement in gillnets, used for capturing fish and shrimp. Collaborative projects between AZA-accredited institutions that raise awareness about this issue and engage the public in marine mammal conservation help ensure a future for this highly endangered porpoise.

Despite the tremendous efforts AZA members and partners have committed toward saving the vaquita, the species is still declining at an alarming rate and there is a clear need to approach conservation differently.  AZA SAFE provides a new approach for collaborative conservation.  Using a One Plan approach,  conservationists working to save a species work together to identify and prioritize the conservation needs of a species and then develops a 3-year Conservation Action Plan (CAP).  Each AZA SAFE Conservation Action Plan includes specific projects, goals, and actions that will address the needs of each species.” Source

Update new links and great resources!

https://www.aza.org/SAFE-vaquita

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/17/science/vaquitas-endangered-porpoise.html

http://theoceanproject.org/category/blog/

https://www.aza.org/from-the-desk-of-dan-ashe/posts/the-immeasurable-distance-between-late-and-too-late

Hyperlinked Timestamped Show Notes:

  1. [ 02:10 ] His work saving a specific type of dolphin from extinction. In this section, you learn about the Vaquita and the problems they are having.
  2. [ 04:33 ] Good rules of thumb, and organizations to find properly sourced seafood (i.e. Buying US or NOAA sustainability).
  3. [ 06:49 ] Recommendations on how to get informed (i.e. Storied Seafood).
  4. [ 09:10 ] What are we doing to help promote the species and inbreeding concerns.
  5. [ 13:30 ] Large Water National Parks (i.e. Hawaiian Island section).
  6. [ 17:16 ] Stories of people helping out animals and making differences.
  7. [ 19:48 ] His thoughts on Cephalopod life spans and how we interact with nature.
  8. [ 21:27 ] Why he choose to be an educational director and be a marine biologist, and how his goals have changed over the years.
  9. [ 24:32 ] His thoughts on mentors.
  10. [ 25:47 ] Next big hurdles in his life, and what lessons he has learned from working with the Vaquita.
  11. [ 30:08 ] Funny development story.
  12. [ 31:14 ] If it’s possible to balance need of food vs need to conserve (i.e Rockfish or Alaska fishery examples).
  13. [ 35:15] His thoughts on changes in the near future with current trends and efforts. Also, Vaquita Friendly is discussed.

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