From WILDCOAST Executive Director Serge Dedina: The Wetlands, Dunes, and Oysters of Baja’s San Quintin Bay

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to tour San Quintin Bay with my WILDCOAST colleagues through the invitation by Terra Peninsular, a conservation organization who has helped to conserve much of the bay. We had a great time and were also able to sample the delicious sustainably harvested oysters of Francisco Aguirre and his family. San Quintin is a center for the oyster harvest in Baja (along with Laguna San Ignacio). Congratulations to Terra Peninsular for their effort in preserving such a unique and delicate area that is in such great shape.

The wetlands of San Quintin are the most important and largest remaining in the Southern California-Baja California Eco-Region.

The beach at San Quintin. These dunes have been preserved by Terra Peninsular.

Of course the surf was firing the day we visited and we were without boards. Generally the wind howls here.

Our group in San Quintin. Thanks to Terra Peninsular, much of this amazing and world class wetland has been preserved. Photo courtesy of Alan Harper/Terra Peninsular.

Oysterman Francisco Aguirre explains the oyster harvest.

Francisco’s oyster farm at San Quintin Bay.

Oyster workers – this activity sustains more than 70 families in San Quintin.

This sustainable activity both helps create local jobs and helps improve water quality in the bay.

Part of the oyster facility at San Quintin.

Our feast served with Baja wine.