Barra de Potosí, located in Guerrero, Mexico, is a hidden gem along the southwest coast. Unlike popular tourist destinations, the village attracts humpback whales that travel extraordinary distances to breed in the warm and salty waters of this part of the Pacific. Katherina Audley, the founder of the non-profit Whales of Guerrero, has been instrumental in developing a conservation-focused eco-tourism program with local fishermen here. The motto “When the whales win, everyone wins” resonates strongly with the community.
Former fishing boats have been transformed into specialized whale-watching vessels, where visitors have the unique opportunity to observe and appreciate the magnificent flukes of diving whales. These flukes are similar to fingerprints and are crucial in identifying individual whales. Thanks to the website HappyWhale.com, enthusiasts can upload photos of flukes, which are then matched with sightings from around the world. The website has revolutionized the process of identifying whales and has helped create a global network of whale tracking.
The two whales we photographed in Mexico were previously seen near Monterey, California, where Ted Cheeseman, co-founder of Happy Whale, is based. Cheeseman grew up in Monterey Bay, a rich feeding ground for whales during the summer months. His experience as a naturalist and whale-watching guide inspired him to simplify the identification process by developing an algorithm for fluke recognition. Happy Whale has since received over 100,000 submissions and has provided researchers with valuable insights into whale populations and migration patterns.
The unpredictability of whale behavior and migration patterns adds to their intrigue. While we know humpback whales sing complex songs, we are still unsure of why they do so. Happy Whale helps us understand the “who” of whale identification, making learning about these majestic creatures more enjoyable and meaningful. By connecting individuals to specific whales and their histories, Happy Whale fosters a sense of care and concern for these animals and their marine habitats. The updates received through the website are eagerly anticipated by people like Katherina Audley, who have a deep appreciation for whales and their wellbeing.
Barra de Potosí and Happy Whale serve as reminders of the importance of preserving the oceans and the incredible creatures that call it home. The efforts of Audley, Cheeseman, and many others involved in whale conservation contribute to the protection and understanding of these magnificent creatures.
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