In all the worlds oceans there are only seven species of porpoise that exist. Though these little marine mammals are found in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and their distributions are mostly separate from one another – these highly intelligent marine animals face significant conservation challenges. None more so, than the highly endangered Vaquita – found only in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico – for which extinction is imminent unless the current conservation efforts succeed.

Dr. Anna Hall will present an overview of the worlds’ porpoise species, from those found in the coastal waters of British Columbia to the far reaches of the Southern Ocean off Antarctica. Porpoise natural history and conservation will be the focus of the talk, with details of how to get involved in the protection and conservation of these small, elusive marine mammals.