Scientists view the bay of La Paz as a unique breeding
place for whale sharks and their young reports Dr Denis Ramirez, Director of
the Whale Shark Mexico, at the Center for Biological Research of the Northwest
(CIBNOR),
Whilst young sharks can be found “growing to maturity” all
along the Gulf of California, it is only in
the waters around Isla de Espiritu, Los Cabos and Bahia de Los Angeles that pregnant
females and very young 4m calves can be seen.
What helps make the Sea of Cortez so ideal for breeding is
the combination of shallow to deeper waters. Allowing the young to stay in shallow
waters, safe from predators. So in effect, the area acts almost like a natural “nursery”
for the species.
Dr Ramirez points out that the added
economic benefits that this natural phenomena brings to Baja California Sur makes
it a very privileged place.