What is the Laguna San Ignacio Ecosystem Science Program?
We are a non-profit academically based scientific program that investigates and monitors the gray whales and other species of marine life that occupy Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Our researchers monitor the use of the lagoon by key species and species groups as indicators of the ecological health and status of this coastal lagoon and wetlands complex. We enlist graduate student researchers, their academic advisers and professors, and subject experts to develop science based information relevant to living marine resource management, and to address concerns about future development, eco-tourism, and the sustainability of the lagoon ecosystem for the benefit of the local community and the wildlife that depend on this unique marine protected area.
For more about our program and its history, please visit our “About Us” page.
While we present our research findings through the scientific literature, professional meetings, outreach to local schools and the community, you can also read everything we publish, right on our website! If you are interested in reading our research and publications, the research blog is a great place to start, but if you’re looking for a specific subject or annual program report or presentation, we offer an extensive archive of all of our publications. Please visit our research publications page.
The modern gray whale “Eschrichtius robustus” is estimated to be 120,000 years old
Researchers & Students
Our researchers and university graduate students investigate a wide range of species from marine invertebrates to gray whales, marine acoustics, and the oceanography of Laguna San Ignacio. This research and monitoring allows the detection of trends over time, and supports the ongoing evaluation of the biological status of the lagoon and its wildlife.
“It is the MISSION of the program to develop and implement a sustained ecosystem-based science program…”
Our Sponsors
The research we conduct and the outreach we do at Laguna San Ignacio Ecosystem Science Program would not be possible without the gracious support of our sponsors. Learn about our sponsors.
