Solution to dying porpoises off Mexico could be found in St. John's flume tank

World's smallest porpoise get tangled in shrimp nets and only 30 remain, according to WWF
CBC News Posted: Jan 25, 2018 5:57 PM NT Last Updated: Jan 25, 2018 5:58 PM NT

There are only about 30 of the world's smallest porpoises left and groups and governments are hoping the remaining mammals will get a reprieve with a new type of net which is being tested in St. John's.

"When you're dealing with a challenge in Mexico, even though Newfoundland seems a long way away, we're still the closest flume tank," says Dr. Paul Winger, director of the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources.

Vaquitas are routinely caught up in gillnets used by shrimp harvesters in the upper Gulf of Califonia, and drown. The nets are largely invisible to the porpoises.

"We're looking for a porpoise-friendly fishing technology," said Winger.

More:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/marine-institute-flume-tank-endangered-vaquitas-1.4504090