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2023 Mexico Baja and Socorro Brochure

2023 Mexico Baja and Socorro Brochure

2023

MEXICO BAJA & SOCORRO

OCEAN PELAGICS, WHALES &

05 – 23 MAR 2023 ● 19 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS

Travel from one of the richest seas on the planet, with some of the world’s rarest marine mammals in the Sea of Cortez, to the incredible big fish action of the Socorro . Float alongside Gray, Humpback and Blue whales and jump in the water with schooling Mobula rays, tuna and sharks. Swim with playful Bottlenose dolphins, seals and Manta rays with monstrous wingspans up to 23 feet (7m). Be amongst the ocean’s largest and incredible inhabitants on this marine adventure through and Socorro Islands, a diver’s dream expedition!

Start your expedition in the north of the Baja California Peninsula in the remote San Ignacio Lagoon. In an area frequented by marine biologists and research teams, our camp is the perfect location and at the optimal time to witness and interact with the Gray whales and their calves that migrate here. Cruise up close in a panga to these inquisitive ocean giants. Travel to the east of the Peninsula to meet the Blue whales and experience the wild desert landscapes around Loreto. Dive at a sea lion colony on the of Espiritu Santo also known as the ‘Jewel of the Sea of Cortez” and explore the granite gorges and desert plains of Sierra de la Giganta. Immerse yourself in the Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, considered ’s oldest living coral reef, for the chance to dive with schooling jacks, rays, Banded guitarfish and octopus, all at home in these incredibly rich waters. Head out on a pelagic blue-water safari with the opportunity to have an intimate encounter with Mako, Silky, Hammerhead and Blue sharks alongside, dolphins, whales, turtles and large schools of Mobula rays.

Board our exclusively chartered vessel in . The MV Socorro Vortex is a brand-new luxury yacht that has been built for adventure and dive expeditions, making her the perfect vessel to unlock the mysteries of the Socorro Islands in comfort and style. The four are located 240 miles (390km) off the Baja Peninsula and offer some of the best diving in Mexico. The islands are often compared to the Galapagos Islands in or in because of the big animal encounters they provide. Get close to the world’s largest Mantas, playful dolphins, tuna, 9 species of sharks and enjoy some of the best big-animal diving on the planet. This time of year, there’s also a chance to jump in the water with Humpback whales or passing by Orcas. Spend 8 full days diving this wild, remote and exhilarating archipelago. Be surrounded by pods of playful Bottlenose dolphins and have close encounters with the Giant Pacific Manta. Watch in awe at the abundance of life on busy underwater cleaning stations. Tuna, Wahoo, schools of jacks and several endemic species are all found in the nutrient rich ocean currents of these remote islands. This is also home to many rare and endemic plants and animal species, with an ecosystem so unique it was made a Bio Reserve in 1994 and a World Heritage Site in 2016. Every day is filled with exhilarating and exceptional dives and marine encounters.

Start your expedition with a Pre-Extension to the magnificent Monarch Butterflies in Zitacuaro or join us for the Ultimate Mexican Adventure and combine the Yucatan Peninsula – Sailfish, Bull Sharks & Cenotes Expedition and the Monarch Butterflies before this incredible adventure to Baja California & Socorro.

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe the ocean’s largest inhabitants including Blue, Gray, Fin and Humpback Whales. • Be thrilled by close encounters with Bull, Mako, Silky, Hammerhead and Blue sharks. • Dive and swim with playful seals. • Cruise up close in a panga boat to baby Gray whales. • Immerse yourself in the incredible marine life of the Sea of Cortez. • Marvel at pelagic encounters with dolphins, whales, turtles and schools of Mobula rays. • Sail on a luxury yacht diving the world-famous Socorro Islands for 10 nights. • Dive the wild, remote and exhilarating Socorro archipelago and interact with giant Pacific Mantas, playful dolphins, tuna and more than 9 species of sharks.

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ITINERARY OVERVIEW

MEXICO BAJA & SOCORRO – OCEAN PELAGICS, WHALES & SHARKS 05 - 23 MAR 2023 – 19 DAYS – 12 GUESTS

Day 01 | Mar 05 Depart Home / En Route to Loreto, Mexico Day 02 | Mar 06 Arrive in Loreto / Welcome Cocktails and Dinner Day 03 | Mar 07 Travel to San Ignacio Day 04 | Mar 08 Gray Whales / Dusk Bird Walk Day 05 | Mar 09 Gray Whales / Travel to Loreto Day 06 | Mar 10 Blue Whale Watching Day 07 | Mar 11 Loreto to La Paz / ATV Safari Day 08 | Mar 12 Sea of Cortez / Sea Lions Day 09 | Mar 13 La Paz to Cabo Pulmo / Diving and Exploration Day 10 | Mar 14 Pelagic Shark Tour / Board the MV Vortex and Set Sail for Socorro Day 11-17 | Mar 15-21 Diving Socorro Islands (Revillagigedo Archipelago) Day 18 | Mar 22 Disembark in Cabo San Lucas / Fly Home Day 19 | Mar 23 Arrive Home

PRE-EXTENSION – MONARCH BUTTERFLIES 02–06 MAR 2023– 04 DAYS – 12 GUESTS

Day 01 | Mar 02 Arrive in / Welcome Dinner Day 02 | Mar 03 Mexico City Tour / Ruins Day 03 | Mar 04 Travel to Zitacuaro / Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve Day 04 | Mar 05 Biosphere Reserve / Nevado de Toluca Volcano Day 05 | Mar 06 Return to Mexico / Fly onto “Baja California & Socorro Expedition”

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ITINERARY

OCEAN PELAGICS, WHALES & SHARKS

05 – 23 MAR 2023 ● 19 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS

Day 01. Mar 05, 2023. Depart Home / En route to Loreto Depart your home and journey to Mexico, arriving into Loreto International airport. We highly recommend arriving at least a day before the expedition starts, so you can acclimatize, are well rested and most importantly, don’t miss the trip.

Day 02. Mar 06, 2023. En route to Loreto, Mexico Check in at the 4* Hotel La Mision. This Hacienda style hotel is evocative of the traditions of Baja Mexico, situated in the first capital of the Californias. With the serene and peaceful Sierra de la Giganta mountains behind you and the fishing boats dotting the intense blue of the Sea of Cortez, the perfect place to relax after your journey in preparation for the adventure to come. Meet your Wild Earth Expedition leaders and the rest of the group in the evening for welcome cocktails and a delicious welcome dinner. Overnight: Hotel Mision – Ocean View Room (D)

Day 03. Mar 07, 2023. Travel to San Ignacio After breakfast enjoy a scenic drive to San Ignacio and arrive at your base for the next two nights, Igloo Base Camp. The camp is commonly used by marine biologists from all over the world to study the behavioral patterns of the Grey Whales due to the optimal approach conditions, so an ideal location for the most intimate encounters. Take a walk through the mangrove forest surrounding the camp and see the abundance of bird life, with over 225 bird species having been identified in the area including Blue-winged Teal, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Cape-Pygmy Owl, Vermillion Fly-catchers, Peregrine Falcons and Gila Woodpeckers to name a few. Watch the sun set in this remote area and watch as it is replaced by a blanket of stars in the inky black sky, listen to the soothing sound of the Whales breaching and breathing in the waters surrounding the camp as you retire for the evening in preparation to meet them in person. Overnight: Igloo Base Camp- tent (B, L, D)

Day 04. Mar 08, 2023. Grey Whales After an early breakfast it is time to experience one of life’s most soul-stirring experiences. San Ignacio is one of the sheltered lagoons that is connected to the migratory path of the Gray whales. In December/January thousands of these awe-inspiring animals travel over 5000 miles from Alaska to Baja to give birth to their young. Dwarfing our boats in size, Grey Whales can measure in length up to 15metres (49ft) and it is not uncommon for a mother and calve to approach the boats and curiously investigate its inhabitants. Have up close, intimate one of a kind encounters with these gentle giants. Observe them as they breach, fluke and spy-hop in playful displays in the bay. After an exhilarating day with the whales enjoy dinner back at base camp before a dusk wildlife walk through the surrounding area and retiring for the evening. Overnight: Igloo Base Camp – tent (B, L, D)

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Day 05. Mar 09, 2023. Grey Whales / Travel to Loreto / Explore Town After another thrilling morning with the Gray whales out on the panga boats, bid farewell to the gentle giants and head to the charming village of San Ignacio with its rock painting museum and XVIII century mission. En route back to Loreto, stop at the old mining town of Santa Rosalia and the Oasis of Mulege and Bahia conception with its fascinating caves for lunch, before arriving back at the Hotel Mision located in the historic centre of Loreto. Explore the town with its colonial buildings including a 17th century church, Nuestra Senora de Loreto. With the scenic Sierra de la Giganta mountain range behind you, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner on the sea front. Overnight: Hotel Mision – Ocean View Room (B, L, D)

Day 06. Mar 10, 2023. Blue Whales Spend the day on the Sea of Cortez, described by Jacques Couteau as “The aquarium of the world”. The surrounding Loreto is a sheltered, usually calm and sun kissed stretch of ocean with stunning vistas, surrounded by serene deserts and mountains. It is little wonder that many species of whales travel to this piece of paradise to give birth and nurse their calves in the warm and relatively predator free waters. Among these cetacean visitors is the largest animal on the planet, the Blue whale. Visiting the seas around the islands of the eastern seaboard, for just a few weeks in February and March each year, they come to calve, mate and feed on the krill that blooms as the rich waters start to warm in the spring sunshine. Research suggests, that these Blue whales are part of an Eastern Pacific population that frequents the waters from to California, spending 10 months of the year patrolling the deep ocean trenches of the Eastern Pacific, entering the around the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. After a day with the whales, sea birds and any other pelagic visitors we may encounter, return to dry land and enjoy a guided night walk in the wild Liguil canyon to view the local flora and fauna. Overnight: Hotel Mision – Ocean View Room (B, L, D)

Day 07. Mar 11, 2023. Loreto to La Paz / 4x4 Safari After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the desert of Sierra de la Giganta with 4x4 ATV vehicles. Follow trails through the rugged, striated mountains, granite gorges, desert plains and discover pockets of vegetation full of hidden life in this unique mountain range. See vultures flying overhead and hear the birdsong echo through the canyons. After a revitalizing lunch, journey from Loreto to La Paz (4 hours) enjoying the panoramic view points and desert sandstone landscape en route. After freshening up, take a stroll along the La Paz seafront promenade before a delicious dinner next to the sea. Overnight: Costa Baja Resort – Ocean View Room (B, L, D)

Day 08. Mar 12, 2023. Island of Espirito Santo / Sea Lions The island of Espiritu Santo is known as the ‘Jewel of the Sea of Cortez” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its 2,000ft (600m) high mountains, sheer rock dropping off into the water and white sandy beaches dotting the coast, it is one of Baja’s most scenic attractions. Get ready for an incredible experience as you dive with playful and excitable sea lions. A large colony of seals have made their home along the coastline of the island and these curious mammals love to play! On return to dry land, explore the vibrant town of La Paz on a guided city walk before enjoying dinner in a typical seafront restaurant on the Malecon. Overnight: Costa Baja Resort – Ocean View Room (B, L, D)

Day 09. Mar 13, 2023. La Paz to Cabo Pulmo / Cabo Pulmo Diving After an early breakfast, journey over road to Cabo Pulmo, located northeast of Cabo San Lucas. Deemed as having one of the most successful marine parks in the , it has been established since 1995 to protect one of only three major coral reefs on the west coast of North America. It is said to be home to over 6,000 marine species, and due to recent coral growth projects, there is a steady rise in fish numbers, allowing the area to teem with sea life. You will be visiting during peak time to see migrating Humpback whales, Gray whales and huge schools of Mobula rays,

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and there is also increased sea lion activity this time of year. Keep an eye out for Bullseye rays, Banded Guitarfish schooling jacks and octopus as you dive in these incredibly rich waters. Overnight: Hotel Posada- Ocean View Room (B, L, D)

Day 10. Mar 14, 2023. Pelagic Tour / Board the Vortex Socorro Before embarking on your Socorro adventure for the next 9 days, say goodbye to the Sea of Cortez in style with a morning blue water safari. Attracting ocean lovers and photographers from all over the world, all in the hope of having the ultimate close encounter with sharks, whales and other pelagic species. Mako, Silky, Hammerhead and Blue sharks have all been spotted here alongside, dolphins, whales, turtles and huge schools of Mobula rays. After an exhilarating morning, check-in on our luxury yacht, the M/V Vortex Socorro and after a briefing, set sail for a life changing adventure with some of the best big animal diving on earth. Dive with giant mantas, playful dolphins, schooling fish, tuna, sharks and maybe get lucky enough to see passing Orcas and Humpback whales, all from the comfort of our privately chartered luxury dive yacht. Overnight: MV Socorro Vortex (B, L, D)

Day 11-17. Mar 15-21, 2023. Diving the Socorro Islands diving has become one of the most world-famous and sought-after diving experiences in the world. Socorro is part of the Revillagigedo archipelago, a group of islands located in the eastern , approximately 250 nautical miles south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, at the tip of the Baja peninsula. The Revillagigedo Archipelago consists of 4 islands – , Socorro Island, and Clarion. They are wild, remote and unpredictable.

Socorro islands have been compared to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador or Cocos Island in Costa Rica because of the big animal encounters they provide, such as giant mantas, playful dolphins, huge schools of fish, tuna and over 10 shark species, to give you one of the best big animal diving experiences on the planet! On occasion you can also see Humpback whales, Orcas, false killer whales, bait balls and plenty of other surprises!

Socorro Island, and the dive site Punta Tosca in particular, is one of the few places in the world where this time of year you may be lucky enough to get in the water with migrating humpback whales. As a lonely seamount far offshore, it attracts a number of pelagic species, among them are some of the world’s largest giant manta rays, with wingspans of up to 6-7m. Rather than swim away at the sight of divers, the playful dolphins of Socorro are known to curiously approach divers and remain for several minutes. Among the parade of pelagic species there is an abundance of sharks, with the possibility of seeing schools of Hammerhead sharks, Silky, Silver tip, Galapagos, White Tip reef, Grey Reef, Tiger Shark and the graceful Whale shark. Be prepared for adrenaline filled days, and jaw dropping encounters all from the comfort and luxury of our beautiful yacht, home to only 12 very lucky divers. Overnight: MV Socorro Vortex (B, L, D)

Day 18. Mar 22, 2023. Disembark / Fly Home After a final breakfast onboard, bid farewell to the crew and disembark the ship in Cabo San Lucas to take the short trip to the airport for your flights home. Meals: (B)

Day 19. Mar 23, 2023. Arrive Home

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PRE-EXTENSION ITINERARY

MONARCH BUTTERFLIES

02 – 06 MAR 2023 ● 04 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS

Day 01. Mar 02, 2023. Arrive in Mexico City Arrive in Mexico City and be met and transferred to the Grand Hotel Ciudad de Mexico. Located in the heart of the capital’s historic center, with its impressive Art Nouveau Architecture this historic building dates back to 1526 and used to be the private residence of Rodrigo de Albornoz Contador Real. Relax and enjoy the ambience and the history that surrounds you before meeting your fellow explorers and your expedition leaders for a welcome cocktail and special welcome dinner. Overnight: Grand Hotel Ciudad de Mexico- Deluxe room (D)

Day 02. Mar 03, 2023. Mexico City Tour / Teotihuacan Aztec Ruins After breakfast it is time to explore one of the world’s biggest cities, with its precious treasures of culture, art and history. Walk on the Zocalo (main square) and visit the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Bellas Artes Opera and the Torre Latino Americana. After lunch climb the Pyramids of the sun and the moon in Teotihuacan (translated means the city of gods or where men become gods) and be amazed by the temple of Quetzalcoati. Enjoy dinner in this vibrant city surrounded by history and pulsing with energy. Overnight: Grand Hotel Ciudad de Mexico- Deluxe room (B, L, D)

Day 03. Mar 04, 2023. Travel to Zitacuaro / Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve After an early breakfast, take a scenic drive to Zitacuaro (around 3 hours) home to the Santuario de la Mariposa Monarca. A World Heritage Site, containing most of the migrating eastern populations of the monarch butterfly. Millions of butterflies arrive annually from October-March. They travel in colonies of about 20 million and fly between 80-120 nautical miles per day to reach Mexico. Witness this extraordinary wildlife event of the winter hibernation of the Monarch butterflies. Stoll through the Santuario as you see the butterflies cluster on the pine and oak forest around you, in a burst of color and life. Overnight: Rancho San Cayetano – standard room (B, L, D)

Day 04. Mar 05, 2023. Biosphere Reserve / Nevado de Toluca Spend the morning amongst the butterflies as the gentle beat of their wings fill the air. Wonder through the biosphere reserve with its beautiful forest and abundance of life. After an authentic Mexican lunch in the local village travel to the city of Toluca. Toluca is home to Mexico’s fourth highest peak and volcano, Nevado de Toluca. Rising above the Toluca basin about 23km southwest of the city of Toluca it is also know by the Nahuati Indian name ‘Xinantecatl’ and has a 1.5km wide summit crater. A large dacitic lava dome in this crater separates two lakes, known as the lakes of the Sun and Moon. For the adventurous take a hike to the summit and enjoy the spectacular and majestic panoramic views that surround you, for the less adventurous, take a gentle stroll through the gorgeous landscape before heading to the bustling historic town of Toluca for a sumptuous dinner and overnight. Overnight: Quinta del Rey – Colonial Room (B, L, D)

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Day 05. Mar 06, 2023. Arrive in Mexico City/fly to Loreto After an early breakfast at the hotel transfer back to Mexico City for your onward flights to Loreto and the start of the Baja California & Socorro Expedition. Meals: (B)

PLEASE NOTE

WHAT TO EXPECT All Wild Earth Expeditions are very active, and participants need to be in good general health. For most activities a moderate to good level of fitness is required. This expedition is very active and will include snorkelling, scuba diving coral reefs where currents are present, hiking nature trails on sometimes rough terrain, climbing in and out of boats and other physical activities. Due to the nature of the diving it is recommended that you have at least an Advanced Open Water qualification and that you have dived within the last year, to ensure that you are comfortable and confident in these remote and rugged diving conditions. Accommodations we have chosen are at upmarket resorts and onboard the luxurious MY Soccoro Vortex all with a/c, hot water and en-suite bathroom facilities. In San Ignacio the accommodation is basic with tents that are specifically designed for this desert base camp, with reinforced walls and edges. They are designed for 6 people but are used for two with cot beds, sleeping bag and sheets. There is a shared bathroom and restaurant at the camp site. Its lodgings are often used as a base camp for marine biologists for their research who often stay for a month or longer.

Detailed Pre-departure information will be sent to you 4 months prior to the expedition. Your expedition will be led by 2 Wild Earth Expeditions leaders, including a Dive Master and a snorkel guide/Marine Biologist and the best, most experienced local guides.

ITINERARY Wild Earth Expeditions will make every reasonable effort to operate the expedition as advertised, but alterations may occur, usually due to tides, weather, wildlife sightings or flight schedule changes. We will discuss our planned itinerary daily with our local expert guides and will always choose the best available option. Accommodations and arranged tours are subject to change or cancellation at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Wild Earth Expeditions control. Please note that 2021 flight schedules and airfares will only be released 11 months prior to the end of the expedition.

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS Although we have reported honestly and accurately about our sightings and experiences, we would like to point out that we are working in the wilderness and despite all our good intentions and utmost preparation, Mother Nature may not cooperate with us at times. We believe that with good planning and a realistic approach, you will have a successful time witnessing the natural behavior of the wildlife we have set out to see.

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SOCORRO VORTEX

At 140 feet, this former Canadian Coast Guard vessel was built for adventure and hardcore worldwide expeditions. Everything on the Vortex has been custom made and handpicked to meet the highest standards. This truly is the live-aboard for the discerning diver, offering first-class, deluxe accommodations for 14 guests. You will receive the highest quality dive experience followed by topside elegance plus unmatched and personalized service. Gourmet dining with a complimentary selection of the best Baja California beer and wine, expansive common areas, plus top-of-the-line beds, linens, towels and bath robes will ensure your comfort onboard.

AMMENITIES: 4 Luxury Staterooms (2 single beds or 1 king), 2 Jr Suites (2 single beds or 1 king), 1 Master Suite (king), Salon/ Bar, Dining Room, Sky Bridge (dining+ grill) and Sundeck.

THE VESSEL: 140' Aluminum Hull, 2 x MTU 12V4000 2750 hp@ 2100 rpm Main Engines, Rolls Royce Transmission with Variable Pitch Propellers and 2 x 21 ft Achilles.

COOL STUFF: Complimentary high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi, Complimentary bar (premium wine, beer & espresso), Complimentary nitrox (Vortex is a nitrox only vessel, Nitrox Certification available on board), Helipad and Stainless-Steel Jacuzzi.

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COST & INFO

MEXICO BAJA & SOCORRO – OCEAN PELAGICS, WHALES & SHARKS 05 – 23 MAR 2023 – 19 DAYS – 12 GUESTS

PRE-EXTENSION – MONARCH BUTTERFLIES 02–06 MAR 2023 – 04 DAYS – 12 GUESTS

Cost to be advised after adjustments to rescheduling have been confirmed due to COVID-19

INCLUDED All accommodations in twin/double share rooms as outlined in the itinerary; Exclusive MV Socorro Vortex yacht charter; All group meals; Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions; Soft drinks, drinking water, tea and regular filter coffee during lunch and dinner at all hotels and onboard the Socorro Vortex; We have also negotiated that all alcoholic drinks are included for guests whilst onboard the MV Socorro Vortex; Drinking water in rooms/cabins and while on tours; All group transfers and baggage handling; All tours, excursions, diving and snorkeling as outlined in the itinerary; Exclusive services of English speaking professional guides and naturalists; Services of 2 Wild Earth Expedition Leaders (including Expedition Leader/Dive Guide and Marine Biologist/Snorkel Guide); All gratuities to porters, guides, drivers, dive crew, ship-, resort- and wait staff; Government- Service- and Room taxes; All permits, Harbor fees, Entrance and Marine park fees; Complimentary slideshow and photos; Recaps and Lectures by Marine biologist; Dive tanks/weights for Scuba divers; Donation to conservation project.

NOT INCLUDED All international and domestic airfares (please note Domestic flights must be purchased through Wild Earth Expeditions); Any airport arrival and departure taxes; Passport and visa fees; Immunization costs; Meals outside the group travel itinerary; Mandatory Travel insurance (including medical, medical evacuation and accident); Excess baggage charges; Personal items, such as laundry, any alcoholic beverages or bar charges (unless specified above), Wi-Fi, telephone, fax calls; Tips for your 2 Wild Earth Leaders and any non-group services; Nitrox air fills and dive gear rental. Any sudden increase in price, due to currency fluctuations, a steep hike in fuel cost, change in government tax policy or for any reason beyond our control, will be adjusted with the final invoice due 4 months prior to the expedition.

SINGLE OCCUPANCY We only have 1 single space available on this expedition and single occupancy rates apply. If you are wanting to share accommodations, a roommate will be assigned to you and double occupancy rates apply. If we cannot pair you with a roommate, the single supplement surcharge applies.

PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, Pelagic Fleet & Adobe Stock

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