As action-packed as it is highly relevant for our times, Richard Ladkani’s important documentary is set amidst the spectacular riches and beauty of Baja and the Gulf of California. Home to two threatened species of sea life - the totoaba fish and the nearly extinct vaquita porpoise – the area is under siege from Chinese poachers aligned with Mexican drug cartels in pursuit of the totoaba’s swim bladder, which fetches such outrageous amounts of money in China that is has been called "aquatic cocaine." The vaquita is collateral damage, as it were.

The martial metaphors are apt because Ladkani’s eco-thriller catapults us into the middle of a war between these poachers and the scientists, navy personnel, and intrepid eco-activists from the Sea Shepherd fighting a righteous, ongoing battle to save the vaquita - exemplars of delicate wildness under threat - and put an end to the illegal trafficking. With a higher level of suspense and more plot twists than a Hollywood cliffhanger, this is one wild - and very necessary - ride.