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Mitsubishi Corporation predicted an impending worldwide shortage of salt, and proposed to develop the world''s largest salt mining operation at Laguna San Ignacio, which is located within an environmentally protected area in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Laguna San Ignacio contains the last pristine gray whale nursery along the Pacific migratory corridor. Gray whales, an endangered species, are protected by several international and domestic legal instruments including treaties and Mexican law. The salt mining plans drew conflicting reactions among many stakeholders, including private businesses, governments, environmental non-governmental organisations, and the local and international populations. Many argued that salt mining is inconsistent with environmental protection, while others maintained that salt mining is environmentally benign. The possible environmental degradation of a trans-boundary resource ''the gray whale'' led to international interest. This case examines various stakeholders? interests, motivations, and positions related to the environmental, ethical, and legal issues raised by this conflict. It presents conflicting arguments and evidence, and allows students to analyse the facts, develop a plan of action, and ultimately defend their decision. This case was sponsored by the Indiana University CIBER Case Collection.