Marine biologist Héctor Pérez-Puig, from Mexico City, investigated the decline in sightings of sperm whales in the Gulf of California since 2015. Coordinated by the Marine Mammal Program of the Prescott Center for Studies, his study determined that the gradual disappearance of sperm whales is related to the displacement of the Humboldt squid, their main prey.
The displacement of the giant squid is due to the increase in water temperature in the Gulf of California, derived from the climatic phenomenon known as “El Niño”, and ocean pollution.
According to Pérez-Puig, the squid is very susceptible to these environmental changes, which has caused sperm whales to be forced to move to other areas in search of food.
Conservation of Sperm Whales in Mexico
The sperm whale, scientifically known as Physeter macrocephalus, is a marine mammal that can reach up to 18 meters in length and weigh 45 tons. Although they have no natural predators, their large size has worked against them, requiring large amounts of food and facing constant accidents with vessels. Additionally, they have low fertility levels, with only one calf every 5 to 7 years.
To promote the conservation of sperm whales, Dominica declared their protection as a national priority in 2023, designating nearly 300 square miles of waters for their conservation. “We want to ensure that these majestic and highly intelligent animals are safe from any harm,” said Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.
Marine fauna in Mexican territory is a tourism driver for the country, with the sighting of gray and humpback whales as one of the main attractions in Los Cabos, La Paz, or Huatulco during the winter season. Therefore, the conservation of sperm whales in Mexico is important.
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