Researchers

The Laguna San Ignacio Ecosystem Science Program (LSIESP) documents the number and distribution of whales, whale-watchers, and fishing boats that visit the lagoon each winter to determine if the whales are continuing to use this critical breeding area, and that they are not disadvantaged by these human activities. LSIESP measures the underwater sound and noise in the lagoon from human activities to document the levels of sound, and to determine if the whales are disturbed by this noise. LSIESP scientists also respond to whales that become entangled in fishing lines and gear, and if possible, they remove this gear from the whales to prevent their deaths.Teams of university graduate students in marine science conduct our work in Laguna San Ignacio to protect the gray whales, the other marine species that reside there. Information of the status of the whales and the lagoon is published in the scientific literature, posted on the LSIESP website (www.sanignaciograywhales.org), and reported directly to the local community, wildlife managers, and local schools. LSIESP believes that accurate, science based information empowers wildlife managers and the local community to make informed decisions to secure the future of this critical habitat for the gray whales and other marine species, and for the benefit of visitors to learn from and appreciate this unique marine ecosystem.