#Scientists worldwide sound alarm on whale extinction

It’s another dire warning on the coming extinction of whales, dolphins and porpoises — this one from hundreds of scientists calling for global action to protect the marine mammals.

In a letter, nearly 350 experts describe two species as on the “knife-edge” of extinction — the North Atlantic right whale and the vaquita, a porpoise in the Gulf of California — and express concern for more than half of the 90 living species.

Only a few hundred North Atlantic right whales remain and the number of vaquitas is down to 10, BBC News reported, citing the letter.

The scientists, who hail from 40 countries, blame the sorry state of the aquatic animals on a lack of political will — and call on countries to do more to stop pollution and overfishing. Boat equipment and nets kill 300,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises every year, the BBC reported.

Susan Lieberman of the Wildlife Conservation Society told the BBC that she signed the letter to help the scientists raise awareness.

“It is critical that governments develop, fund, and implement additional needed actions to better protect and save these iconic species,” she said.