About the project
The Virtual Ecological Museum of the Blue Whale is a digital space dedicated to sharing the knowledge generated over more than 35 years of research on blue whales in Loreto Bay, Gulf of California.
This project is based on the work of Dr. Diane Gendron and her team, and seeks to make science accessible to everyone, from students and teachers to tour operators and the general public.
About Dr. Diane Gendron
Dra. Diane Gendron
Marine biologist of Canadian origin, recognized for her pioneering work on blue whales in the Gulf of California.
- More than 35 years of research on cetaceans, with emphasis on the ecology and biology of whales.
- Responsible for two long-term databases on sighting history and biological samples of blue whales and sperm whales around the Baja California Peninsula.
- Author of more than 55 scientific articles and book chapters, director of 45 graduate theses.
- Leader of research projects with IPN, CONABIO, CONACYT, CONANP and international organizations (Rufford Foundation, Whales & Dolphins Conservation Society, Save our Seas).
About the museum
This virtual museum was created to disseminate the results of long-term research conducted in Loreto Bay, making scientific knowledge available to society in an accessible and attractive way.
The main objective is to contribute to the conservation of the blue whale and its ecosystem through education, outreach and the promotion of responsible practices such as Passive Observation.
Institutions and collaborators
- CICIMAR-IPN – Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional.
- CICESE – Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada.
- CONABIO, CONACYT, CONANP – Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas.
- Rufford Foundation – International foundation supporting conservation projects.
- Whales & Dolphins Conservation Society – Organization dedicated to the conservation of cetaceans worldwide.
- Save our Seas – Project focused on the conservation of marine ecosystems and threatened species.
Credits
The content of this virtual museum is based on the research and materials provided by Dr. Diane Gendron and her collaborators. All images, videos and documents used are the property of their respective authors and are used with permission or under open licenses.
Development and design: independent web team in collaboration with the research team.