The Whales of the Pacific Coast of Baja California Sur

The majestic whales of the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur have long been the talk of the town. Whenever the topic arises, the question on everyone's lips is, “How many whales are there?” While it may seem like a simple query, the answer might not be as straightforward as it appears. So, why not embark on an adventure together and uncover the truth for ourselves? We'll start with some basic information to set the stage for our thrilling exploration.

First things first, let's clear up any misconceptions. Whales are not fish; they are magnificent mammals, just like dogs, cows, or even humans. And like all mammals, they require air to breathe. Fun fact: whale calves are born directly from their mothers after a little growth inside them, making them viviparous animals. These awe-inspiring creatures feed their young ones with milk, just like any nurturing mother would.

Whales have an intriguing evolutionary history. They evolved from terrestrial animals that gradually adapted to an entirely aquatic lifestyle. The order that encompasses these fascinating creatures is called cetaceans, which is further divided into two suborders: Mysticeti and Odontoceti. Let's take a closer look at each of them, shall we?

Mysticeti: Whales with Whales

These remarkable beings are characterized by horny and elastic laminae on their upper jaw, resembling a stylish mustache. They also possess two blowholes, which serve as their gateway to the world of air. This suborder, known as Mysticeti, includes the true whales. Interestingly, the name “whale” was given not only to these magnificent creatures, but also to the horny plates adorning their upper jaw. A double dose of whale awesomeness.

Odontoceti: Whales with Teeth

In the other corner, we have the Odontoceti suborder, boasting whales with teeth. These toothy wonders sport homodont teeth, meaning their pearly whites are all the same shape. Their skulls are asymmetric, and they possess a single nostril. Quite the unique bunch, aren't they?

Now that we've explored the suborders, let's focus on the true whales, the ones that have whales. These true marvels belong to the suborder Mysticeti and are the giants of the whale world, measuring over seven meters in length. But what sets them apart from their toothy counterparts? Well, for starters, true whales have not one, but two holes on the top of their heads through which they elegantly take in the precious air they need to survive.

When it comes to food, whales have a unique approach. To satisfy their hunger, they must filter their meals, which mainly consist of plankton and krill. How do they do it? These graceful beings possess blades hanging from their upper jaws, helping them skillfully filter out their prey. It's a true spectacle to witness.

The Whales That Inhabit Mexican Marine Waters

As we delve deeper into our exploration, it's fascinating to note that there are a total of 11 identified species of mysticete whales worldwide. And guess what? Eight of those species proudly call the Mexican waters their home. What an honor it is to have such a diverse and rich population of these gentle giants gracing our shores.

The Blue Whale: Balaenoptera musculus

The blue whale, scientifically known as Balaenoptera musculus, is an awe-inspiring creature that holds the title of being the largest mammal on Earth. With a length of up to 30 meters and weighing around 100 tons, the blue whale is truly a colossal being. Its massive size is matched by its long, slender body, which is streamlined to help it navigate through the water with ease. The blue whale's skin is typically bluish-gray in color, while its belly tends to have a lighter shade.

The blue whale can be found in all the world's oceans, making it a truly global species. However, it is commonly observed along the continental shelf, where it finds an abundance of food. In the eastern tropical Pacific, two specific areas have been identified as popular blue whale habitats during the winter and spring. These areas are known as the “Costa Rican dome” and the coasts of the Baja California Peninsula. On the other hand, sightings of blue whales in the Gulf of Mexico are relatively rare.

The Right Whale: Eubalaena glacialis

The right whale, scientifically known as Eubalaena glacialis, is a majestic marine mammal that belongs to the Balaenidae family. With its impressive size and unique characteristics, the right whale has captured the attention of researchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The right whale is an astonishing creature that can reach a remarkable length of about 17 meters (55.77 feet), making it one of the largest whales in the world. Its massive body can weigh up to a staggering 70 tons (140 000 pounds). With such proportions, it's no wonder the right whale commands respect in the marine realm.

The right whale is primarily found in the temperate and cold waters of the Northern Hemisphere. These magnificent creatures are often spotted in regions such as the North Atlantic Ocean, the North Pacific Ocean, and the Southern Ocean. While their main habitat lies in these cooler waters, it is worth noting that some right whales have been observed sporadically in subtropical regions, adding to the mystery surrounding their migratory patterns.

Throughout the year, the right whale embarks on impressive migrations, covering vast distances searching for food and suitable breeding grounds. During the months of February to April, a notable population of right whales can be found along the northwestern coast of the Baja California Peninsula, extending up to Los Cabos. This sighting offers a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

In addition to this specific location, the Gulf of Mexico has also recorded sightings of the right whale. However, their presence in the Gulf is relatively limited, with observations mainly concentrated on the west coast of Florida and the coast of Texas. These sporadic sightings add to the allure of the right whale and make every encounter with these gentle giants even more special.

The Gray Whale: Eschrichtius robustus

The gray whale, scientifically known as Eschrichtius robustus, is a magnificent marine mammal that belongs to the Eschrichtidae family. The gray whale can grow up to an impressive length of about 15 meters and weigh approximately 30 tons. As the name suggests, its skin coloration is predominantly gray, with some distinctive spots or crescent moon-shaped markings primarily found on its back.

This remarkable species can only be found in the North Pacific region. They are represented by two distinct populations: the Asian population, which is unfortunately almost extinct, and the American population, which is comparatively more numerous.

The American population of gray whales follows a remarkable migratory pattern along the coastline. During the summer months, they feed in the Behring, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas. As winter approaches, they embark on their annual journey towards the Baja California Peninsula and the Gulf of California.

When the gray whales reach their destination, they concentrate mainly in the lagoons of Ojo de Hare, San Ignacio, and the lagoon complex of Magdalena Bay, from December to April. In the Gulf of California, they can be found primarily in the Yavaros area in Sonora and the bay of Santa Maria in Sinaloa.

The Humpback Whale: Megaptera novaeangliae

The Humpback Whale, scientifically known as Megaptera novaeangliae, is a fascinating marine mammal that belongs to the Balaenopteridae family. Renowned for its impressive size and characteristics, the Humpback Whale is a true marvel of the ocean.

The Humpback Whale can reach an astounding length of up to 17 meters (55 feet) and weigh an impressive 45 tons. Its enormous size makes it one of the largest creatures on the planet. With its long, slender body and distinctive body shape, the Humpback Whale is easily recognizable.

This magnificent species can be found in all oceans across the globe. In the eastern tropical Pacific, specific areas of winter aggregation have been identified. These include the Revillagigedo archipelago, the mainland coast from Mazatlan, Sinaloa to the Gulf of Panama, and the waters adjacent to the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Humpback Whales can be observed in these regions from November to May, with the highest abundance occurring in February and March.

Interestingly, some Humpback Whales in the Gulf of California, particularly in the northern and Great Islands region, have been documented year-round. This suggests that these whales do not follow the “normal” migration pattern to the cold waters of the North Pacific. Instead, they choose to remain within the Gulf of California throughout the year. In the past, the Gulf of Mexico may have also served as part of their winter range before their population was significantly reduced.

The Fin Whale: Balaenoptera physalus

The fin whale, scientifically known as Balaenoptera physalus, is an extraordinary marine mammal that captivates the imagination with its immense size and graceful presence. Belonging to the family Balaenopteridae, this magnificent creature inhabits the oceans of the world, although it is relatively rare in tropical waters.

One of the most striking features of the fin whale is its colossal size. These majestic giants can reach up to an impressive length of 25 meters, making them the second-largest species of whale, surpassed only by the blue whale. In terms of weight, fin whales can weigh up to a staggering 65 tons, showcasing their immense strength and power.

While fin whales can be found in all the seas of the world, their presence is notably scarce in tropical waters. In the eastern tropical Pacific, for instance, they are primarily known to inhabit oceanic waters far offshore. The specific relationship between the North Pacific population and other fin whale populations remains an area of ongoing study.

Throughout the year, numerous records of fin whales have been documented. However, their abundance tends to peak during the winter and spring. In particular, the region of the Big Islands, including the Whale Channel, Salsipuedes Channel, Puerto, and Libertad, along with the southwestern coast of the Gulf of California, serves as a significant habitat for these magnificent creatures. On the other hand, their sightings in the Gulf of Mexico are relatively sparse, leading to the belief that there may be an isolated population similar to that found in the Gulf of California.

The Minke's Whale: Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Minke's whale, scientifically known as Balaenoptera acutorostrata, is a fascinating creature that belongs to the family Balaenopteridae. Despite being one of the smallest true whales, this species manages to captivate with its impressive size, reaching up to 10 meters in length and weighing around 10 tons.

Minke's whale is known for its slender body and pointed snout, which gives it its scientific name “acutorostrata,” meaning “sharp-snouted.” Its coloration can vary from dark gray to black on its upper body, while the underside is lighter, often with white patches. These whales possess a streamlined shape, enabling them to navigate the ocean with agility and speed.

Minke's whales are found in all the world's oceans, but they show a clear preference for temperate and cold waters. They are rarely spotted in tropical regions and have no recorded sightings in the eastern tropical Pacific. In the Gulf of California, they have been observed in various locations, including the San Luis Gonzaga Bay, Gulf of Santa Clara, and near the islands of San Felipe, San Pedro Mártir, and del Carmen. In the Gulf of Mexico, they are known to frequent the north coast during the winter and spring months.

Minke's whale is listed as a species of “The Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, it is still essential to monitor their populations and protect their habitats to ensure their long-term survival. The International Whaling Commission has implemented regulations to manage whaling activities, which have contributed to the recovery of some Minke's whale populations.

The Sei Whale: Balenoptera borealis

Sei whales, scientifically known as Balenoptera borealis, are magnificent creatures that belong to the family Balaenopteridae. With their impressive size and weight, they captivate the imagination of all who encounter them. Sei whales are among the largest animals on Earth.

They can reach an impressive length of about 16 meters and weigh approximately 20 tons. Their bodies are streamlined and sleek, allowing them to navigate the ocean with remarkable agility. Sei whales possess a distinct dorsal fin and a series of ventral pleats that expand when they feed, enabling them to engulf large quantities of water and prey.

These remarkable creatures primarily inhabit cold and temperate waters, often found near the continental shelf. In the eastern Pacific, they can be observed during the winter months, with their distribution extending at least as far as the Revillagigedo archipelago. In the Gulf of California, sightings have been recorded during winter north of Carmen Island, near Los Islotes in the bay of La Paz, and in Banderas Bay, Nayarit. Moving towards the Gulf of Mexico, Sei whales have been spotted along the coasts of Mississippi and Louisiana in the north, as well as Campeche in the south.

While Sei whales were once heavily hunted, there have been efforts to protect and conserve these magnificent creatures. Today, they are listed as an endangered species, and international regulations have been implemented to prevent their exploitation. Conservation initiatives strive to monitor their populations, preserve their habitats, and raise awareness about the importance of their conservation.

The Bryde's Whale: Balaenoptera edeni

Balaenoptera edeni is a majestic creature known as Bryde's whale. Belonging to the Balaenopteridae family, this species showcases unique characteristics and a habitat exclusive to tropical and subtropical waters. Bryde's whales are widely distributed in the tropical Eastern Pacific, both near the coast and further out to sea.

On the stunning west coast of the Baja California peninsula, these magnificent creatures can often be observed in the waters near Magdalena Bay. If you find yourself in the Gulf of California during the summer and fall seasons, keep an eye out for them in the region of the Big Islands. Particularly in Whale Channel, near Loreto, and in the bay of La Paz.

In the northeastern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Bryde's whales have made their presence known. This area is home to the most studied population of these beautiful creatures in tropical waters. Due to their affinity for tropical waters, Bryde's whales are considered to be the most common species found in the Gulf of Mexico.

In conclusion, learning about whales is not only fascinating but also crucial for their conservation and our understanding of marine ecosystems. By recognizing that whales are mammals with unique characteristics, such as their breathing habits, feeding mechanisms, and evolutionary history, we can appreciate their significance in the natural world.

Whether through attending lectures, exploring libraries, or delving into online resources, there are numerous ways to deepen our knowledge and connection with these magnificent creatures. So let us continue to explore, educate ourselves, and spread awareness about the wonders of whales, ensuring their protection for generations to come.