Marine mammals are one of the most important species in the marine ecosystems. Bahia de los Angeles (BLA) and San Luis Gonzaga (SLG), located in the Gulf of California (GC) are remote locations that have been recognized as two of the most important marine areas regarding biodiversity conservation in Mexico. However, little is known about population sizes and distribution of the area’s cetaceans. There is no current estimation of their population status and their threats have not been correctly addressed.

Our objective is to continue monitoring the cetacean populations of BLA/ SLG and establish ourselves as a long-term project. We aim to continue establishing the area’s database by providing essential scientific information on their diversity, abundance, spatial-seasonal distribution and behavior. We will continue developing the area’s fin whale catalogue through photo-identification and will continue the evaluation of injuries present in individuals.

The proposed project will obtain and share scientific information on the abundance, spatial/seasonal distribution, photo-identification and evaluation of injuries of fin whales to address the status of the resident population due to the lack information on the specie. Fin whales in the GC are isolated and locally adapted, so their habitat is critical to them and needs to be preserved.

This study will also provide genetic evidence on local adaptation and genetic diversity to better understand the ecology of this population in the GC.