Movements, Habitat Preferences, and Behavior of the Striped Marlin in the Mexican Pacific
Project Leader
Exploring the migration, habitat use, and behavior of striped marlin (Kajikia audax) along BCS west coast. Using satellite tags and advanced tracking tech, to gather key data to support sustainable management and conservation of this valuable species.
Tracking Marlin Movements
This project investigates the migration patterns, habitat use, and behavior of striped marlin (Kajikia audax) along the west coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Using advanced satellite telemetry, researchers are monitoring seasonal movements to better understand the species’ spatial ecology, identify critical habitats, and explore the environmental factors that shape their distribution.
PROJECT LEADER
Dr. James Ketchum
Dr. James Ketchum is Director of Marine Conservation and Co-founder of Pelagios Kakunja. With a Ph.D. in Ecology from UC Davis, he has studied sharks and pelagic species since 1998. His research on hammerhead sharks helped establish MigraMar, a key network in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
He leads the Marine Megafauna Lab at Pelagios Kakunjá and is an Adjunct Researcher at CIBNOR. Focused on shark ecology in the Gulf of California, he has over 50 publications and is a Mission Blue Hope Spot Champion, featured in documentaries like National Geographic’s Shark Superhighway.
Informing Conservation and Management
The findings will help fill key knowledge gaps needed to guide sustainable management of this important species, which faces pressure from bycatch and recreational fishing. By pinpointing essential feeding and breeding areas, the study aims to inform more effective protection strategies for striped marlin in the Mexican Pacific.
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