Mexican Marines set Tuesday a perimeter in the Zero Tolerance Area to protect vaquita porpoise — a Gulf of California endemic species that is under threat of extinction.

The Mexican Department of the Marine said in a prepared statement that setting the perimeter was due to keep maritime security and control traffic based in the international environmental agreements and treaties to preserve the mammal.

Environmental organizations had reported that the Gulf of California is now home to about 10 animals. The species has been affected by the illegal fishing of Totoaba.

Over 40 Marines used seven ships and several aircraft to set the perimeter. The area limits were set by an agreement published in September 2020 after the authorities determined many ships had invaded the zero tolerance area involuntarily.