Science in Loreto
Scientific research in Loreto Bay spans more than 35 years and is fundamental to understanding and protecting the blue whale and the Gulf of California ecosystem. Dr. Diane Gendron and her team have developed one of the most comprehensive long-term databases on blue whales in the world in this place.
Research timeline
Birth of Diane Gendron
Diane Gendron is born on March 30 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Arrival in the Gulf of California
She travels to Baja California and discovers the Gulf of California, a place that would mark her life and career.
First studies in the St. Lawrence
She completes a volunteer internship and works as a research assistant at the Mingan Island Cetacean Study, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, Canada.
Master's thesis at CICIMAR-IPN
She obtains her master's degree at CICIMAR-IPN in La Paz, with a thesis on blue whales in the Gulf of California.
Cetacean ecology lab at CICIMAR
She is hired specifically to develop a cetacean ecology lab at CICIMAR, consolidating blue whale research in La Paz.
Best Biology Thesis Award at IPN
Her master's thesis is awarded the Best Biology Thesis Award at IPN.
Catalog of more than 800 blue whales
Through photo‑identification, more than 800 blue whales are identified in the Gulf of California, building a unique sighting history.
PhD at CICESE
She obtains her PhD at CICESE (Ensenada), consolidating more than 15 years of research on blue whales in the Gulf.
International project: Rufford Foundation
She participates in international blue whale conservation projects with support from the Rufford Foundation.
Project: Whales & Dolphins Conservation Society
She collaborates with the Whales & Dolphins Conservation Society on cetacean research and conservation projects in the Gulf of California.
Promotion of PACE for the blue whale
She promotes the inclusion of the blue whale in the Species Conservation Action Programs (PACE) in Mexico.
Feces and biochemical tracers studies
She deepens the study of feeding ecology through analysis of feces, blows and biochemical tracers, revealing key details of whale diet and physiology.
Project: Save our Seas
She participates in the Save our Seas project, focused on the conservation of marine ecosystems and threatened species in the Gulf of California.
Start of PROCER projects
She participates as technical director in PROCER projects for the conservation of the blue whale and fin whale (2013–2017).
Use of drones in research
She incorporates the use of drones to observe whales from the air, collect samples of their blows and study their behavior with less disturbance.
Documentary: National Geographic
She participates as lead scientist in a National Geographic documentary about blue whales in the Gulf of California.
Documentary: BBC Natural History Unit
She collaborates with the BBC Natural History Unit on the production of a documentary about cetaceans and marine ecosystems.
IMAX Film: Blue Whale – Return of the Giants
She participates as lead scientist in the IMAX film "Blue Whale: Return of the Giants", bringing the story of blue whales to theaters worldwide.
Conferences and outreach
She continues her outreach work, sharing her experience and passion for blue whales with students and the general public.
Collaboration with operators: Passive Observation
She works hand in hand with captains and operators in Loreto to develop the Passive Observation method, now a global model of responsible whale watching.
The science conducted in Loreto not only generates knowledge: it is shared with the local community, tour operators, students and authorities, and serves as the basis for conservation practices such as Passive Observation and the regulations of Loreto Bay National Park.