Behavior of the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) during its wintering season in a lagoon of Baja California peninsula
Ojo de Liebre Lagoon is a critical wintering site for the North Pacific gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), hosting over 2,000 individuals per season. The species’ recovery has been attributed to conservation efforts along its migratory route, particularly in their wintering areas. However, the simultaneous exploitation of marine resources raises concerns about potential impacts on whale behavior. This study aims to characterize gray whale behavior within the lagoon, with a focus on anthropogenic activities such as tourism and resource extraction. Surveys were conducted from boats to document whale behavior, spatial distribution, and the intensity of human activities across different lagoon zones. The results indicate that whales exhibit a broader range of behaviors in areas with greater bathymetric depth, even in the presence of human activities. However, in highly touristic areas, gray whales primarily engage in transit, resting, and breaching behaviors. Additionally, the findings suggest that friendly behavior (i.e., vessel approach) increases with the number of vessels. These insights are crucial for informing management strategies aimed at balancing species conservation with sustainable resource use.
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1617138125001190
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