Whales of Guerrero, Mexico

Overview

The Pacific coast of Mexico provides important habitat for approximately 2,000 humpback whales that mate and calf there during the winter months and migrate north to California, Oregon, and Washington in summer. While scientists have known of the whales' presence in the area for years, there have been no formal studies of them in this southern region of the Eastern North Pacific.

The Whales of Guerrero Research Project was launched in 2013 to generate needed data about humpback whales in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. The project also aims to raise awareness about the presence of whales in the region and to support the local economy through the development of responsible whale and wildlife tourism programs.

Our initial focus is on the Bahia de Petatlan, a 75-square mile bay that runs along a pristine 12-mile stretch of beach and is part of a unique, unprotected region in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. In addition to humpback whales, this small area is host to eight distinct ecosystems and many important marine species including sea turtles, manta rays, rough-toothed dolphins, and many more.

Threats

Bahia de Petatlan, Laguna Potosi, and the small fishing village of Barra de Potosi are in danger of environmental degradation due to lack of scientific information about the presence of threatened and sensitive species including humpback whales. Proposals for commercial tourism development of this area have been considered in recent years, and the threat of future development is real. In response, a local group of concerned citizens is seeking Natural Protected Area status for this important ecosystem. Our research on the wintering humpback whale population will greatly enhance the status of the application and could help tip the scales in favor of protection.

Moreover, local fish stocks have declined and impoverished local fishermen are growing desperate. In many cases they are resorting to illegally harvesting sea turtle eggs and selling them as a means of survival. We are working with local fishermen to create a viable and responsibly conducted whale watching tourism operation to help alleviate this pressure and to provide economic incentives that support conservation.

How We Are Helping

Under the leadership of project founder and director Katherina Audley we are coordinating an international team of researchers and educators to generate needed information about humpback whales in the Bahia de Petatlan region and mobilize community support for marine conservation. Our immediate goals are:

Conduct a field study of the humpback whale population in the area in order to establish a population count, contribute to the Fluke Identification Count, record their vocalizations, record cow/calf pairs, behaviors and movement patterns around the bay.
Host workshops and training sessions for boat operators, fishermen, tourist-oriented business owners, residents and visitors of the area, led by scientists and educators from Mexico and the United States, with a track record of successfully creating a responsible whale watching ethos in their local waters. Our intention is to raise awareness about responsible whale watching practices and the amazing creatures we are privileged to share the water with each year.

Through our work we aim to draw national and international attention to the ecological importance and sensitivity of the Bahia de Petatlan and to support current community-driven efforts to seek formal Protected Area status. Moreover, we are working to boost the local economy through the development of responsible nature-tourism programs that will not only help the local community, but will also create a stronger case for ecological preservation.