Where: Mexico

What's at stake: Survival of the world's smallest porpoise

Threatened by: Harmful fishing practices

Animals include: Porpoises, dolphins, whales, nearly 900 species of fish

	Known also as the Sea of Cortez, the Gulf of California is home to 891 species of fish -- nearly 10 percent of which are found nowhere else in the world. Thirty-four species of marine mammals also inhabit the gulf, making it one of the world's most important nursery and feeding areas for porpoises, dolphins and whales.
	For millions of years, the sediments and freshwater of the Colorado River fed into the Gulf of California. During the 20th century, though, heavy water diversion for agricultural and urban use depleted the river, cutting it off almost entirely from the sea.
	According to scientists, no more than 500 vaquita marinas survive in the Upper Gulf of California, the last remaining habitat of this small porpoise. Eight vaquitas were reported dead in 2004, but estimates put the total number of annual deaths at roughly 40.
	One of the most important fishing grounds for Mexico, the Gulf of California provides half of the country's fish supply. Commercial species include sharks, northern milkfish, Spanish mackerel, corvine and others.
	Each year, migratory species such as the humpback whale, California gray whale, manta ray and leatherback turtle visit the Gulf of California, where abundant nutrients can be found year-round. Rich food sources, coupled with powerful tides and relatively shallow waters, make the Upper Gulf one of the most robust marine ecosystems in the world.
	Nestled at the crossroads of the Americas, the Gulf of California is a magnet for sport-fishing enthusiasts from around the world. Local communities that are highly reliant on the sport-fishing industry include Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto, Guaymas and Mulege.

Photo credits: Cactus on shore, © Tom Bean. Vaquitas, © WWF/Gustavo Ybarra.