whale sanctuary of el vizcaino
states: [mexico]
category: natural
year: 1993
location: Basse Californie Sud, Municipality of Mulege
region: Latin America and the Caribbean
latitude/longitude: 27.7922200000, -114.2277800000
unesco id: 554
world heritage site: 554
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The Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mexico, is a vital natural habitat featuring two coastal lagoons that serve as key breeding and wintering grounds for the gray whale, alongside other marine species like California sea lions, northern elephant seals, and endangered sea turtles. Recognized in 1993, it supports a diverse ecosystem of wetlands, marshes, mangroves, and desert landscapes, fostering rich biodiversity including migratory birds and fish nurseries. This sanctuary has played a crucial role in the recovery of the gray whale population, once nearly extinct due to whaling, making it a globally significant conservation area.