Community-based management through ecotourism in Bahia de los Angeles, Mexico

In some places around the world, whale shark ecotourism has become an important economic activity. Specific cases are present in Mexico, the most important being Bahia de los Angeles, Baja California; Bahia de La Paz, Baja California Sur, both in the Sea of Cortes and near Holbox and Contoy Island, Quintana Roo in the Caribbean Sea. Observation and swimming activities with whale sharks in Bahia de los Angeles have been offered for approximately 14 years, although these activities have only recently become more popular. Several studies have been carried out, since 2001 to present economic alternatives for the people living in this coastal community based on whale shark aggregations. This bay is one of the very few known and accessible places around the world where whale sharks congregate on a regular and predictable basis. However, human-related activities, including tourism pressure may also affect the behavior of individual sharks and consequently, have a negative impact on the industry. The present study led to the implementation of a "Code of Conduct" for interaction activities with whale sharks so they could ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for participants and to prevent the animals from being harmed or disturbed. Also, it enabled the establishment of a continuous data set collected directly by the tour operators, which is updated each year in collaboration with independent researchers. The guidelines within this "Code of Conduct" have formed the basis of similar management practices in other places of Mexico, and are enforced to reduce the chance that the animals will be negatively affected through human interaction. It is concluded that community-based projects are important for long-term conservation. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.