This body of water with over 1/3 of the world’s marine mammals, like the Vaquita, has been called “the aquarium of the world”

On the Jeopardy! episode that aired Thursday, January 29, 2026, contestants faced a clue in the category “Bodies of Water.” The Final Jeopardy clue highlighted a biologically rich and ecologically unique location that plays host to a diverse array of marine life. The clue read:

“This body of water with over 1/3 of the world’s marine mammals, like the Vaquita, has been called ‘the aquarium of the world.’”

What is the Gulf of California?

The Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, lies between the Baja California Peninsula and mainland Mexico. This narrow sea stretches approximately 1,126 kilometers and is recognized as one of the most biologically productive marine environments in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has often been referred to as “the aquarium of the world,” a phrase attributed to oceanographer Jacques Cousteau due to the region’s astonishing marine diversity.

Among the sea’s most distinctive traits is the concentration of marine mammals—over one-third of all known species. These include whales, dolphins, sea lions, and the critically endangered Vaquita, a small porpoise native only to this region. The presence of these animals is a testament to the gulf’s ecological richness and importance as a marine habitat.

The Vaquita and Conservation Challenges

The Vaquita is one of the most critically endangered marine mammals in the world. Native solely to the northernmost part of the Gulf of California, it faces imminent extinction, with fewer than a dozen individuals believed to remain. This dire status is due in large part to illegal fishing practices, especially the use of gillnets for catching totoaba, another endangered species whose bladder is sold on the black market.

The plight of the Vaquita has drawn international attention to the Gulf of California and has spurred conservation efforts. Despite bans and protective regulations, enforcement remains a significant challenge. The Vaquita has become a symbol of the broader struggle to balance human economic activity with the urgent need to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Ecological Significance and Global Recognition

The Gulf of California’s ecosystem supports more than 900 species of fish and nearly 5,000 species of macroinvertebrates. Its coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds provide vital breeding and feeding grounds for numerous marine species. Seasonal migrations also bring blue whales, humpback whales, and giant manta rays through its waters, reinforcing its reputation as a hotspot for marine biodiversity.

The region’s ecological importance led to large portions of it being designated a World Heritage Site in 2005. This designation underscores its global significance and the responsibility to ensure its preservation. Environmental groups and marine biologists continue to advocate for stronger protection measures to maintain its delicate ecological balance.

Human Impact and Environmental Stewardship

While the Gulf of California offers natural beauty and biodiversity, it also faces pressure from tourism, overfishing, and development. Coastal cities and communities rely heavily on fishing and ecotourism, making sustainable practices essential to the region’s future. In recent years, local governments, NGOs, and international bodies have invested in educational campaigns, fishing reforms, and protected marine areas to curb harmful activities.

Efforts such as banning certain types of fishing equipment, implementing no-fishing zones, and promoting alternative livelihoods for local fishers have had some positive effects. However, experts agree that long-term success depends on coordinated enforcement, continued scientific monitoring, and community engagement.

The Gulf’s Enduring Legacy

The Jeopardy! clue brought attention to a body of water that holds both beauty and urgency. The Gulf of California is more than a biodiversity marvel—it is a living, breathing ecosystem that continues to shape conservation policy and marine science discussions. Its nickname, “the aquarium of the world,” reflects not just the life it holds but the responsibility it places on humanity to act as stewards of the environment.

In spotlighting the Gulf of California, the clue reminds audiences that knowledge of geography and natural history isn’t just academic—it is deeply connected to the global conversation about preservation, biodiversity, and environmental ethics.