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A great white shark swimming in the waters off Guadalupe Island. photo credit Shark Diver / Patrick Douglas
SAN DIEGO, California -- In a surprising move, the Mexican government has recently published sweeping new regulations and protections for sharks, including a shark finning ban, an extension of the moratorium on new commercial shark fishing permits, and extensive protections for great white sharks, whale sharks, basking sharks and manta rays.
Patrick Douglas, CEO of Shark Diver, a commercial white shark cage diving company operating out of San Diego, welcomed the move. “Mexico has taken a real leadership position here” says Douglas. "The rest of Latin America is watching what Mexico does with great interest now. This is good news indeed”.
In the past few years, Mexico has been recognized as one of the few places on the planet where large congregations of Great White sharks appear each year at Isla Guadalupe. Along with Whale shark aggregations in Holbox, destination tourism with these shark species and others is growing.
Captain Mike Lever owner of expedition dive vessel MV Nautilus Explorer was thrilled with the news “The people of Mexico afford us a great privilege in allowing us to dive with the white sharks at Guadalupe Island. The enactment of Mexican rules for responsible shark and ray fisheries is incredibly good news and really bodes well for the survival of these magnificent animals. Our hats are off to all of the scientists who helped make this happen”.
The new rules and regulations came after 10 years of debate and the broad support of researchers, scientists, conservations groups, eco-tour operations and local citizens.
Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of UnderwaterTimes.com, its staff or its advertisers.
Reader Comments
9 people have commented so far.Hats off to you Mexico. In an age where it doesn't seem that many care about the devestation they are doing to our environment and it's inhabitants, you stand strong! Thank you!
comment# 1 - Brendan Maas · Philadelphia PA · Mar 6, 2007 @ 10:34am
This is great news. It is my hope that this measure and those of other countries helps to ensure these magnificent creatures are not extinct by the time my children are adults.
comment# 2 - Lisa Townsend · Springfield, MA · Mar 7, 2007 @ 12:30pm
It's likely a whimsical decision--few Mexicans are surfers. It seems progressive but might be just more left wing sociopathy.
comment# 3 - L.A. Marshall · Gabriola, B.C. · Mar 28, 2007 @ 8:24pm
Shark finning is a disgrace. I am disgusted with the way we are extinguishing the sharks. Please, help STOP SHARK FINNING.
comment# 4 - Leo · Chateauguay/Montreal, Canada · Apr 1, 2007 @ 11:06pm
FINALLY!!!! Mexico...not only are your beaches great and your beers cheap, but this just drove my respect for you through the roof. CHEERS!
comment# 5 - Todd Egan · Toronto, Canada · Apr 13, 2007 @ 11:46am
if you like sharks or want info on sharks in mexico check out adoptashark.com
comment# 6 - paul · la paz mexico · Apr 17, 2007 @ 12:55pm
Good Job Mexico!! You are a beautiful country and now have helped out oceans in a beautiful way! Im very happy for you!!
comment# 7 - Kayla Weller · Canada · May 1, 2007 @ 12:05pm
Wake up people!! This has been correctly called a Trojan horse for the commercials to rape the Cortez!! Go to seawatch.org and elsewhere to read about what this is really about!!! Get informed and get active!!
comment# 8 - Ileana · USA · May 17, 2007 @ 5:23am
Nooooooooooooooooooo!
comment# 9 - Lion · Hong Kong · Mar 20, 2012 @ 5:46pm