VOICED: Curious whales give boost to Mexican fishermen

Ignacio Lagoon serves as a crucial breeding ground for Pacific Gray whales. Fisherman Pachico Mayoral, who once feared whales, now leads whale-watching tours, contributing to local tourism. Despite the growth in tourism, some locals still rely on fishing. The gray whale population, which declined in the 1990s, is slowly recovering, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.

What is the primary reason Pacific Gray whale mothers stay close to the shore in Ignacio Lagoon?

• To socialize with other whales

• To enjoy warmer waters

• To find food easily

• To avoid predators

How did Pachico Mayoral's perception of whales change over time?

• He became afraid of them

• He ignored their presence

• He started hunting them

• He began guiding tourists to see them

What role do scientists and environmentalists play in the whale-watching industry?

• They regulate activities to protect whales

• They fund local businesses

• They discourage tourism

• They promote whale hunting

What is a major complaint of locals regarding ecotourism?

• It has reduced whale populations

• It has not benefited them economically

• It has led to overfishing

• It has increased pollution

What environmental change affected the gray whale population in the late 1990s?

• Increased ocean temperatures

• Rising sea levels

• Melting Arctic ice

• Decreased salinity