The Gray Whale Advocate Newsletter

Contents, both editorial and photographic are:

copyright 2002

Keith E. Jones

Hola amigos y amigas:

This is a brief update to let you all know what the season is like so far.

The official Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve census dated Febrero 6, 2002 states there are 361 mothers, 361 babies and 117 solo whales for a total of 839 whales estimated in the lagoon. Two weeks later the census increased to a total of 1,100 animals, but I was unable to obtain the printed statistics.

We have had an extraordinary season so far. Every group has experienced the most wonderful whale encounters imaginable. With tourist traffic down anywhere from 30 to 70 percent, the lagoon seldom has more than 1 or 2 other pangas anywhere within our view. The most I have counted on the water at any single time this season has been 5 scattered across the entire outer lagoon area.

The weather was extremely cold on our trip January 19^th. Then a change took place and we have had unusually warm and calm days. Temperatures have ranged from low in the morning of 58 F. to highs in mid 80s. That is certainly unusually warm.

I killed another digital camera last week. Third in two years. The salt water is hard on them.

Here is a preliminary copy of a new map I’m making of the Laguna Ojo de Liebre observation areas and surrounding vicinity. Any feedback will be appreciated.

That’s all for now.

Keith (baja) Jones

www.greywhale.com

Baja Jones Adventure Travel

and coming soon:

www.whalesforkids.org

www.whales4kids.org

www.guerreronegro.com