Mexican locals report injuries in clash near vaquita reserve

MEXICO CITY – Mexican fishermen, environmentalists and residents say an undetermined number of people have been wounded in a clash with marines in the state of Baja California.

The injuries occurred after shots were fired during a confrontation in the coastal town of San Felipe, which is near the reserve of the vaquita porpoise.

The porpoise is the world’s most endangered marine mammal, with as few as 10 remaining in the Gulf of California.

The confrontation Thursday apparently started as authorities confiscated illegal nets set for Totoaba fish. The vaquitas often get caught in the nets, although such fishing is banned.

The Navy said it was investigating the incident.