Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino

New fish species added to the ichthyofauna of Laguna Ojo de Liebre, Baja California Sur, México

A recent study has identified eight new fish species in Laguna Ojo de Liebre, Baja California Sur, Mexico, bringing the total ichthyofauna count to 39 species across 25 families. This significant addition updates previous records from two decades ago and suggests potential impacts of anomalous warming events on marine biodiversity. Researchers conducted six seasonal visits between June 2015 and August 2016, employing diving, trapping, hook & line, and gillnet commercial fishing techniques to document the fish species. The findings contribute crucial baseline data before the installation of reef modules aimed at supporting red lobster and fish aggregation in this UNESCO-listed Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino.