Preferred Session: Ecology and Conservation of Marine Mammals Type of paper: Poster presentation Would like to participate in the Student Judging program Paper Title: The Gulf of California: A Golden Laboratory Aguilar-Arce, Karen . Oceanology Resarch Institute, Carr. Transpeninsular 3917, U.A.B.C., 22860 Ensenada, B.C. karen.aguilar52@uabc.edu.mx. Co-author: Uribe-Martinez, Abigail Bahía de Los Angeles presents a major hotspot for marine diversity in the world; unfortunately it is in constant danger from climate change, illegal fishing, and natural gas projects. This study presents the most comprehensive review of the literature on the biodiversity of Bahia de Los Angeles. We collected articles, theses, and reports that could be found on large pelagic done in the Midriff Islands and the Gulf of California. That information was then supplemented with sighting data on various species found in the Gulf. From that, we made a storymap with the information recollected, and will be shared with the locals. By making this information readily available and sharing it to the public, we can ensure that the people of Bahia de Los Angeles are informed about the biodiversity in the area, making them able to recognize and fight against projects that negatively affect their home.

Karen Aguilar is a biology student at the Autonomous University of Baja California. Throughout her studies, she has developed her research, programming, and outreach skills, as well as her knowledge of geographic information systems. Hoping to work in data processing, she began working in spatial ecology with Dr. Abigail Uribe-Martinez. Her thesis project, The Midriff Islands: A Golden Laboratory , has allowed her to delve into the world of species conservation, form links with researchers and conservationists in the area, and deepen her knowledge of marine animals and what is necessary for their conservation.