Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Gray whale population on the rise in Baja California Sur

Gray whale numbers have risen dramatically in Baja California Sur, say Mexican conservation agencies.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) and National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp) revealed that a recent census of the whales — taken from December 2022 to mid-February 2023 — has revealed a total of 1,364 in the El Vizcaíno Biosphere, located in Mulegé, Baja California Sur.

Tourist boats near a gray whale in BCS
Whale watching has become a major draw for Baja California Sur in recent years. (Daniela Martínez Pérez Vargas)

Overall, numbers increased by 238 from the 2021-2022 census — a rise of more than 20%. 

In the Ojo de Liebre Lagoon, 1,246 whales were counted, with another 118 spotted in San Ignacio. Of the whales counted, 491 were newborn calves, providing researchers with hope for the future. 

Authorities believe that this increase in whale numbers is the result of 68 years of strong protections from commercial fishing. These protections have helped to remove gray whales from the endangered list. 

El Vizcaíno, which was declared a national reserve in 1988, is a major breeding ground for many of the world’s gray whales and has become a hotspot for ecotourism in Mexico, especially around breeding season. The 36,000 hectares form one of the most important whale habitats in the world.

Gray whales will swim to El Vizcaíno from Alaska to take advantage of the shallow waters and plentiful food available during the early months of the year.  

The gray whale is currently listed as needing “special protection” by the Mexican government.

With reports by El País

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
Tijuana, Baja California

MND Local: Baja California and Tijuana local news

0
A hugely successful conference, roaming opera performances and a vintage year for the wine industry are all part of our news update from the northern border.
withdrawing cash

‘Our cash is in limbo’: Readers share how US sanctions on CIBanco, Intercam have affected their financial lives

12
From the survey responses we received, we got a sense of the frustration and anger of Intercam and CIBanco customers. Here's what readers are doing and saying about this uncertain situation.
guns

Heavily armed foreigner impersonating a CIA agent is arrested in México state

4
The suspect, identified by media as a U.S. citizen named “James,” was acting aggressively, wearing a bulletproof vest and tactical gear while brandishing weapons.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity