Mazatlan, Sinaloa, June 12, 2024 - The oceans are the heart of the planet. They generate more than 50% of the oxygen we breathe. As if that were not enough, the oceans regulate the planet's climate, provide food and are home to an incredible biodiversity. On June 8, World Oceans Day was commemorated and as part of Oceans Week, the National Whale Museum (MUNBA) announces its upcoming opening in the wonderful port of Mazatlan.
"Whales are fascinating marine mammals, playing essential ecological roles in maintaining the health of the oceans by being living carbon sinks, accumulating tons of carbon in their huge bodies throughout their lives. When they die, their bodies effectively trap carbon in the deeper marine sediments for centuries. So we can say that whales are not only amazing creatures, but also vital guardians of our planet, offering us a natural solution to one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. Explained in a press conference the Oceanologist with 20 years of experience in the sea and Director of MUNBA, Oscar Guzon Zatarain.
Mexico plays a crucial role in the conservation of whales, as it is home to important sanctuaries and breeding grounds, such as the "El Vizcaino" Whale Sanctuary created in 1988 in Baja California and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, in 2000, Mexico again became the first country in the world to declare its patrimonial sea as a refuge for whales by presidential decree. Since then, the country has implemented regulations and standards for whale watching, ensuring sustainable ecotourism practices that minimize human impact.
In Mazatlan we have the presence of up to 23 species of marine mammals and 20 of these are cetaceans. This represents more than 60% of all the species recorded in the Gulf of California, one of the most diverse seas in the world and in which Mazatlan is considered its port of entry. "Due to its privileged geographic location in the Sea of Cortez and its great tourist vocation, Mazatlan was the ideal place for the creation of this new enclosure, which stands as an outstanding reference center in Mexico for conservation, research and actions aimed at protecting whales in Mexican waters." MUNBA's Director and Master of Science in Marine Ecology, Oscar Guzon Zatarain, emphasized.
"The National Whale Museum (MUNBA) is a space created especially for visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of cetaceans; from the majestic whales to the friendly dolphins. Our mission is education for the conservation of these marine giants and their habitat". Oscar Guzón Zatarain, Director of MUNBA, who is also the founder of the ecotourism platform "Onca Expeditions" and "Legado Azul Mexico" and has participated in various research projects in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
MUNBA houses 12 exhibition halls, with interactive digital modules, sensory and immersive experiences and one of the most diverse collections of cetacean skeletons in Mexico and Latin America. The architectural project is the work of renowned Mexican architect Alejandro D'Acosta, whose avant-garde architecture makes MUNBA a unique venue that breaks the traditional boundaries of art and exhibition. The use of recycled materials, as is the author's signature, promotes a culture of sustainability. The peculiar black and white geometric pattern used in the building is inspired by the disruptive or dazzling camouflage known in English as "Dazzle", a ship camouflage used in World War I and consisting of complex patterns of geometric shapes intended to confuse the enemy about the course of a ship. The building maintains a dialogue with the landscape of the port of Mazatlan where the most important threats to the whales, such as fishing nets and marine traffic, parade daily, transforming the containers into a shelter, giving life and a symbolic home to the whales.
The National Whale Museum is much more than an exhibition venue; it is a beacon of hope for the life of Mexico's seas. "We seek to inspire visitors to become defenders of the oceans through our educational program, created to transcend the barriers of the precinct and that aims to reach all schools in Mazatlan, Sinaloa and the entire country." MUNBA's Educational Project Coordinator, Lizbeth Gallegos Salas, pointed out.
"The educational work is supported by disciplines such as museopedagogy and neurodidactics, where different models are proposed that contribute, favor and are complementary to generate a meaningful experience. Our educational program aimed at children and youth, entitled "One, two, three for me and the oceans", not only seeks to educate, but also to inspire and challenge new generations to take action to protect our oceans". Lizbeth Gallegos Salas, who has more than twenty years of experience in various educational fields, pointed out.
The commendable work of the educational program adds to the efforts for the study and conservation of the humpback whale, promoting the fact that Mazatlan is an important breeding area for this species. In addition, it is supported by MUNBA's cutting-edge research program, contributing to reinforce direct actions in the protection of whales, collaborating closely with governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as with the local community. Participating in the rescue of stranded and entangled whales and promoting more effective conservation policies.
Thus, MUNBA's Science for Conservation program currently includes two important research projects in the region. In April of this year, the Cetacean Ecology project began in the Islas Marías Biosphere Reserve in collaboration with Dr. Nico Ransome of the University of Murdoch in Western Australia and the support of the Ministry of the Navy. This study is based on photo-identification, taking biopsies for genetic analysis and stable isotopes of the species.
The inauguration is scheduled for July 23rd, World Whale and Dolphin Day. The museum will be open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 hours with an accessible rate for opening and may or may not include the tour of Observatorio 1873. The direct entrance to the museum is located at Camino al Observatorio 54, Cerro del Vigia, Mazatlan, Sinaloa. CP.82000. Their website www.munba.mx is now in operation for more information on its exhibits and reservations.
The MUNBA is a significant addition to Mazatlan's cultural and tourist offerings. It is expected to become a must-see for locals and tourists, contributing to environmental education and positioning the city as a destination committed to the preservation of the biodiversity of the Sea of Cortez.
