Unraveling the white shark observation tourism at Guadalupe Island, Mexico: Actors, needs and sustainability

• Published in: Marine policy 2020-09, Vol.119, p.104056, Article 104056
• Main Authors: Meza-Arce, Mercedes I., Malpica-Cruz, Luis, Hoyos-Padilla, Mauricio E., Mojica, Francisco J., Arredondo-García, María Concepción, Leyva, Claudia, Zertuche-Chanes, Rebeca, Santana-Morales, Omar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Environmental management; MACTOR analysis; Marine protected areas; SWOT analysis; Wildlife tourism
• ISSN: 0308-597X; 1872-9460
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2020.104056

White Shark watching tourism at natural aggregation sites is an increasingly popular activity globally among marine wildlife enthusiasts. This wildlife tourism activity promotes conservation and economic development but information on the design of adequate and sustainable management practices is missing. Management of the White Shark Observation Activity (WSOA) at Guadalupe Island, Mexico, in an international context was explored. The actors involved in the WSOA as well as the power relationships among them were investigated. Actors helped to elucidate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the WSOA. Tourist Operators, Tourists, a Fishing Cooperative, Non-Governmental Organizations, Academia, and Federal Government institutions were identified as the main groups of actors. All the actors agreed that they have an interest in the use of resources and their conservation but their needs and some perspectives of management differed. An imbalance of power among actors was found, with Federal Governmental institutions holding most power, possibly hindering collective management actions. It is necessary to adapt a management plan that promotes a vision for the future and the integration of the concerns and perspectives of the stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the WSOA. •Prospective analysis as a tool for White shark tourism management.•Actors involved in the activity have contrasting perspectives and needs.•Location is a key factor prompting weaknesses strengths and opportunities.•Unbalanced level of power among actors hinders collective management actions.•Huge potential exist to promote outreach and environmental awareness.