Diane Gendron
Encounter with the blue whale
Diane Gendron was born near Montreal, Quebec. This biologist has always had a passion for the sea. After working at the Mingan Island research station, Gendron became interested in blue whales. In the mid-80s, she travelled to the Gulf of California in Mexico to study the blue whales of the Pacific. She literally fell in love with the Baja California peninsula.
After receiving a Canada-Mexico study grant, Diane arrived in La Paz to complete her Master’s in biology at CICIMAR (Centro interdisciplinario de Ciencias marinas). She ended up being offered a permanent position at the research centre, to direct marine mammal research projects for Mexico.
Fascinating research projects
Diane Gendron is research project director for about ten students, men and women, at the Master’s and Ph.D. levels. Each year, they go out to sea with Diane and Ciro, captain of the CICIMAR 15, on roughly ten observation trips that last from four to six days each. In winter, the Gulf of California is very rich in food. As a result, blue whales come here to feed and give birth, so this is the ideal time to catch sight of mothers with their calves.
During these research expeditions, Diane and her students gather as much data as they can, data they’ll analyze when they return to the CICIMAR marine biology centre. Research topics vary greatly. Some examples are studying blue whale migration, assessing contamination levels in marine mammals, and improving the method for measuring these gigantic animals.
The Gulf of California contains the largest concentration of whales in the world.
Biologist Diane Gendron studies our planet’s largest living animal: the blue whale.
Ms.
Par Jaquelyn Noss, 2015-02-27, 15h09I too have a burning desire to dedicate my time to research of the blue whale. I met Fernando and volunteered at GEA in Loreto..and did 10 days observing whales and gathering info with Colin of Ravenadventures..I have a Masters in Social Work..may go on to get a PhD..focusing on community incl..blue whales...would love to volunteer with you..Plan to live in Mex soon..how can I help?
Interview
Par Teagan Malecha , 2015-02-01, 15h09Hello. My name is Teagan Malecha, and I’m involved with the Legacy 2000 program at Legacy High School in Broomfield, Colorado. This program is designed to challenge students who have enthusiasm for science, math, and/or technology by fostering students’ passions and encouraging students to research ideas, develop ideas, and implement those ideas into reality. Furthermore, a key component of L2k is learning how to communicate and network with people. I am exploring blue whales and would like to ask you a few questions. If this is acceptable, please let me know by contacting me at tmal2035@gmail.com
Dr.
Par Raul Diaz-Gamboa, 2013-08-23, 15h09Simplemente grandioso el trabajo de Diane Gendron, esperemos que continúe por muchos años más, enseñando y motivando a muchos jóvenes y no tan jóvenes a seguir su ejemplo y hacer investigación.
mr
Par ciceron, 2013-06-28, 15h09Dear Diane, Few years back we met in La Paz, and you were interested to set up a watching platform for the blue whales, I have a great site for you south of San Evaristo, around the island of San Jose. You can use it for free as long as you want. Roger Marius Ciceron cabomarius@yahoo.com
