Whales

Gray whales connect California’s marine protected areas to the mangrove lagoons and coastal islands of the Baja California peninsula.

Image Credit: Ralph Lee Hopkins

Over the years, there have been continuous pressures to convert the gray whale lagoon’s pristine shorelines of Baja California into mega-industrial and tourism development ventures that would obliterate the important ecosystems and wildlife that the region supports. Such pressures paired with climate change are ongoing threats faced by these gentle giants.

WILDCOAST collaborates with local communities and Mexico’s government to ensure the conservation and protection of gray whale nursery habitat along the Baja California Peninsula and offshore waters that are critical for the survival of the species.

PROTECT

We protect gray whale habitat through federal zone concessions, easements, education, and outreach.

Image Credit: Claudio Contreras-Koob

PARTNER

We work with the San Ignacio Lagoon Conservation Alliance, Mexico's National Commission for Protected Natural Areas, fishermen, and local communities in the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve and Bahia Magdalena to enhance protections of gray whale lagoons.

Image Credit: WILDCOAST

Where We Work

Our programs support and protect the beauty, vibrancy, and biodiversity of coral reefs in Mexico and Cuba.

See More Areas

OUR IMPACT

483.6

miles of shoreline around gray whale breeding lagoons protected on the Baja California Peninsula

209,108

acres in Laguna San Ignacio protected against proposal for world's largest salt mine

6.3

million acre Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve management plan updated, home of four gray whale breeding lagoons

5

gray whale-themed public murals painted in Ensenada, Baja California

500

students in Mexico engaged in gray whale education activities in 2020

DONATE

Donate Now

Image Credit: WILDCOAST

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer Now

Image Credit: Octavio Aburto

MORE OF OUR WORK

SEA TURTLES

Sea turtles are key to healthy oceans, but now face extinction. WILDCOAST is rebuilding their population by improving nesting beaches, reducing turtle consumption, and supporting eco-tourism.
Learn More

Image Credit: Ralph Pace

CLIMATE CHANGE

As global temperatures rise, sea levels are climbing. In partnership with Mexico’s National Commission for Protected Natural Areas, WILDCOAST is helping conserve thousands of acres of carbon-storing mangroves in northwest Mexico.
Learn more

Image Credit: Miguel Angel de la Cueva

CORAL REEFS

Coral reefs play an important role in sustaining our oceans and global economies. WILDCOAST is working to conserve coral reefs throughout Mexico and Cuba by establishing protected areas and promoting reef stewardship and education.
Learn More

Image Credit: Claudio Contreras-Koob

MANGROVES

Mangroves are among the world’s greatest carbon sequestering plants, absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it within their rich soils.
Learn More

Image Credit: WILDCOAST

COASTAL WETLANDS

In 1971 the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance was signed as an international treaty for worldwide wetland conservation. Wetlands are recognized for their ecological importance on a global scale, acting as buffers for coastal communities and providing important habitat for thousands of species.
Learn More

Image Credit: Claudio Contreras-Koob

OCEANS

From the rugged coast of Northern California to the vibrant shores of Oaxaca and across borders, the oceans connect us all. Our programs establish new marine protected areas, deter poachers and build conservation capacity in local communities.
Learn More

Image Credit: Ralph Lee Hopkins

WILDLANDS

Spanning the Baja California peninsula are millions of acres of protected areas that include open ocean, rugged islands, mangrove lagoons and wilderness coastline.
Learn More

Image Credit: Dan Cartamil