Issue Definition and Planning for Whalewatching Management Strategies in Ensenada, Mexico

The exceptional growth of whalewatching in Baja California Sur (BCS) and other parts of Mexico during the last 10 years motivated the design and implementation of a Mexican whalewatching law based on experiences in BCS. However, recent research in the Ensenada whalewatching area confirms that this l...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Coastal management 2003-07, Vol.31 (3), p.277-296
Main Authors: HECKEL, GISELA, Espejel, Ileana, Fischer, David W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Baja California Sur (state), Mexico
Brackish
Conservation
Ecotourism
Environmental aspects
Environmental policy
Marine
Marine mammals
Mexico
Whaling
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Summary:The exceptional growth of whalewatching in Baja California Sur (BCS) and other parts of Mexico during the last 10 years motivated the design and implementation of a Mexican whalewatching law based on experiences in BCS. However, recent research in the Ensenada whalewatching area confirms that this law is insufficient in this area because whalewatching boats and other fishing, cruising, or drifting boats influence the behavior (swimming direction and velocity) of migrating gray whales. In the long term, the migration corridor might be displaced offshore, and whalewatching may become infeasible. This study proposes a management planning process to adapt regulations to this area, to promote adherence to regulations by encouraging self-regulation and strengthening law enforcement, and to enhance the tourist service on board. The actors involved were identified.
ISSN:0892-0753
1521-0421
DOI:10.1080/08920750390198504