In 2010, the vaquita, a critically endangered porpoise, faced a crisis due to gillnet entanglement in the Gulf of California. Illegal fishing practices severely threatened the remaining population, pushing the species closer to extinction. The plight of the vaquita underscores the urgent need for effective conservation measures and the protection of marine ecosystems.

The Vaquita gillnet entanglement crisis in 2010 was highlighted in marine poetry, with poets addressing the tragedies of bycatch. Their verses often served as a call to action, urging readers to consider the impact of human activities on marine life. Poets like Ocean Vuong have used their work to draw attention to the plight of endangered species, blending personal narrative with environmental advocacy.