Sea of Shadows is a powerful documentary that highlights the desperate situation facing the vaquita, a rare and endangered porpoise. The vaquita lives only in the Gulf of California, and there are believed to be less than 20 left in the wild.
The film follows a team of scientists, activists, and journalists who are working to protect the vaquita from the illegal activities of Mexican cartels and the Chinese Mafia. These criminal organizations are smuggling totoaba fish, which are prized for their swim bladder, an ingredient used in traditional Chinese medicine.
The film shows how the totoaba trade has fueled a black market that is worth millions of dollars, with some swim bladders selling for up to $100,000 each. The high demand for the totoaba has led to deadly clashes between rival cartels, as well as the killing of fishermen and journalists who have tried to expose the trade.
Sea of Shadows is a gripping and emotional film that highlights the urgent need to protect the vaquita and its fragile ecosystem. It is a sobering reminder of the devastating impact that illegal wildlife trade can have on both animals and people and the urgent need for global action to combat it.
