The world famous Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino, part of the much larger El Vizcaino Bioshere reserve, have just published encouraging results from their third grey whale census. Conducted by CONANP (National Commission of Natural Protected Areas) the census has reported increases in both the coastal lagoons of Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio. Recognized as the world's most important place for the reproduction of the once endangered eastern subpopulation of the North Pacific Grey Whale.
As of 25 January numbers in Laguna Ojo de Liebre now total 1099 - 478 calves and 621 adult whales. An amazing increase of almost 100% since the first census which counted only 584 whales in total.
Laguna San Ignacio is also doing well with a total of 122 reported on 19 January - 38 calves and 83 adult whales.
The gray whale continues to be an immensely popular species and thousands of people flock to the coast every year to watch them migrate. The protection of San Ignacio and Laguna de Liebre as winter breeding grounds have been fundamental in the remarkable recovery of this species after near-extinction as a result of commercial whaling.