BAHÍA MAGDALENA, Mexico — A coordinated marine rescue operation off the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur led to the successful disentanglement of an injured sea lion, while authorities also confirmed the discovery of a dead gray whale in the same region, officials said.
The operation was launched after residents and fishermen reported sightings of sea lions entangled in fishing gear near Bahía Magdalena, south of Puerto San Carlos. In response, multiple agencies and conservation groups deployed a joint effort to assess and assist marine wildlife in distress.
During the patrol, responders located a group of roughly nine California sea lions. One of the animals showed visible injuries around the neck and mouth, caused by monofilament fishing line embedded in its skin.
Specialists carried out a controlled sedation procedure to safely restrain the animal and remove the entangling material. The intervention was successful, and after a brief monitoring period, the sea lion was observed swimming normally and heading toward deeper waters.
In a separate finding within the bay, crews encountered a female gray whale, estimated at about 33 feet (10 meters) in length, floating in an advanced state of decomposition. A preliminary inspection revealed no signs of human-related trauma, suggesting the cause of death was likely natural, though further analysis may be conducted.
Participating in the operation were Mexico’s Marine Resources Protection Fund (FONMAR), the Bahía Magdalena Fishing Cooperative, the Mexico Marine Wildlife Rescue Center, the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), and a local environmental monitor.
Officials emphasized that the response highlights the importance of public reporting and interagency collaboration in protecting marine ecosystems along Mexico’s Pacific coast.
“Timely citizen reports are critical in allowing us to act quickly and effectively,” authorities said in a statement, adding that continued vigilance is key to safeguarding vulnerable marine species in the region.
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