Conservation and Development in the Gray Whale Lagoons in Baja California Sur,Mexico

摘要

This report identifies activities that could have a negative impact on two graywhale calving/breeding habitats, namely Laguna San Ignacio and Bahia Magdalena. This report describes (1) the natural history, exploitation, protection, and status of gray whales in Mexico; (2) the physical and human geography of the study area; (3) past conservation efforts in the study area; (4) the environmental management structure in the study area and the environmental impact review process in Mexico; (5) past, existing, and planned development and commercial acitivities in the study area; and (6) impediments to assessment and control of activities with potentially adverse impacts and possible means to improve gray whale conservation. The greatest potential threats to the whales and their habitat are from: (1) the proposed development of a salt production facility near Laguna San Ignacio; (2) a proposed resort development at Bahia Magdalena; and (3) the continued growth of gray whale tourism in Bahia Magdalena.