The Buzz | Conservationists attacked in refuge for Mexican porpoise
Conservationists on a Sea Shepherd vessel out to protect the endangered vaquita porpoise came under gun fire in the upper Gulf of California over the weekend by men in small boats.
The confrontation took place Saturday in what is known as the “critical zone” of an area designated as a refuge for the vaquita because several of the porpoises have been sighted there.
Officials from the Mexican navy, federal police and Mexican environmental protection agency were also onboard the M/V Sharpie.
According to Sea Shepherd, four skiffs known locally as pangas approached the Sharpie and began to chase the vessel at full speed, swerving in front and around the ship.
The captain carried out anti-piracy procedures, including the use of water cannons and other anti-boarding techniques. At least two shots fired from the skiffs landed in the water near the Sea Shepherd vessel, which was not hit during the incident.
Sea Shepherd said no injuries occurred.
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