Research and Monitoring
Research and Monitoring
Increasing scientific knowledge and informing conservation efforts
One third of all the cetacean species in the world have been recorded in the Gulf of California. The Midriff Island region is biologically diverse with high levels of biomass productivity and cetacean diversity; since 2009, the Center’s Marine Mammal Program (MMP) has recorded 15 cetacean species, all of which are protected either nationally or internationally. Our weekly surveys (weather permitting) provide valuable and unique information from which we can develop a better understanding of the richness, diversity, ecology, distribution, seasonality, movements, behaviors, and habitat use of the marine mammals in this region.
The island and estuarine ecosystems of the Midriff Island Region of the Gulf of California are very diverse and productive. Many species of waterbirds use coastal and marine habitats in this region for nesting, wintering, feeding, resting, and as year-round habitat. Prescott College faculty and students began monitoring regional waterbird populations in 1997. Since then, the Center has expanded its monitoring program to include three coastal estuaries, two islands and the Canal del Infiernillo.
Shrimp fishing poses a classic resource management dilemma. Shrimp is the most profitable fishery in Mexico, and most of shrimp fishing in Mexico happens in the Gulf of California. Close to 100% of shrimp caught by trawlers in the region is exported to the U.S., Asia and Europe. Yet, bottom trawling for shrimp causes very significant negative impacts on the local ecology and economy.
Supporting independent researchers from around the world
One of the most important functions of any field station is to support researchers and resource managers from academic, government, and non-government, institutions, and community groups. The Kino Bay Center has supported over 100 projects from approximately 45 different institutions. Researchers and resource managers visiting the field station are supported in a number of ways including: boat support, lodging, internet access, lab/desk space, logistical/technical assistance, data sharing, meeting space and local knowledge. The field station also serves as an information center, facilitating interdisciplinary and inter-institutional connections between researchers and projects in the region. The ongoing presence of the field station strengthens the collective contribution of research and conservation projects conducted in the region. Click here to review the list of publications authored and supported by the Kino Bay Center.
