Craft Beer with a Cause: Pure Project Supports Gray Whale Conservation

SAN DIEGO, CA: In a notable collaboration, Pure Project has joined forces with WILDCOAST to unveil Baja Breach, a West Coast IPA aimed at supporting gray whale conservation in Laguna San Ignacio, Baja California Sur, Mexico. This initiative is critical for the protection of both the majestic gray whales and their nursery habitat.

Gray Whale Migration and Threats

The Eastern North Pacific gray whales embark on an extraordinary 10,000-mile migration each year, traveling from Arctic waters to the tranquil lagoons of Baja California Sur. Laguna San Ignacio, part of the UNESCO-designated Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaíno, stands as the last intact gray whale nursery globally, where mothers nurture their calves before commencing the journey back north.

Nevertheless, the gray whale population faces increasing threats. Research indicates significant declines in both prey availability in Arctic regions due to climate change and in the number of mother-calf pairs at Laguna San Ignacio. Countless studies have shown a drop from over 100 mother-calf pairs to fewer than 20 in recent years, with a mere four documented in 2026. In addition to these challenges, risks such as ship strikes, coastal development, and entanglement intensify the urgency for conservation initiatives.

WILDCOAST's Conservation Efforts

For over three decades, WILDCOAST has been at the forefront of protecting essential marine ecosystems. Their commendable record includes safeguarding more than 209,000 acres from industrial encroachment, conserving 480 miles of coastal areas that surround gray whale breeding sites, and advancing community-led ecotourism and mangrove restoration efforts in the region.

“Laguna San Ignacio stands as a premier success in marine conservation, but the future of gray whales remains precarious,” states Serge Dedina, Executive Director and Co-founder of WILDCOAST. “While we’ve worked tirelessly with local communities to preserve this remarkable nursery from development, climate change presents an emerging hurdle. Collaborations like this with Pure Project are vital for raising awareness and resources to protect these magnificent creatures for generations to come.”

Pure Project’s Commitment

Pure Project’s philosophy is that beer can drive positive change and inspire action. “Building on our previous initiative with Noc-Turtle IPA, which supported sea turtle conservation, Baja Breach extends our mission to include the ocean's largest inhabitants,” remarks Mat Robar, Co-founder of Pure Project. “We’re proud to partner on this IPA and illuminate the essential conservation work aimed at safeguarding Baja’s gray whale nurseries.”

Baja Breach is currently available on draft and in four-packs for takeout at all five Pure Project locations across San Diego County, as well as select retailers. For more information on WILDCOAST’s initiatives and how to support their mission, visit https://www.purebrewing.org/story/wildcoast/.

Engaging the Community

To stay updated on special releases and events, follow Pure Project on Instagram at @purebrewing. To locate Pure Project beers in your area, check out their beer locator.

About Pure Project

Founded in 2015, Pure Project is a small-batch craft brewery with multiple taprooms in San Diego and distribution across the West Coast. Known for its dedication to sustainability and quality, the brewery produces various beers, including non-alcoholic options and hard seltzers.

Pure Project has received acclaim as one of the top breweries in the nation and has been recognized with several prestigious awards at events like the Great American Beer Festival. They are committed to using beer as a platform for social and environmental good, contributing one percent of their profits to sustainable initiatives.

About WILDCOAST

Established in 2000, WILDCOAST is a dedicated organization focused on conserving coastal and marine ecosystems while addressing climate change through natural solutions. With offices in California and Mexico, their multifaceted approach includes creating protected areas, restoring blue carbon ecosystems, and collaborating with local communities and the private sector.

To date, WILDCOAST has successfully conserved over 38 million acres of vital coastal and marine ecosystems. They strive to be a voice for the ocean, committed to preserving these environments for future generations. For further information, visit https://wildcoast.org/.

The post Craft Beer with a Cause: Pure Project Supports Gray Whale Conservation first appeared on All About Beer.