You may have seen our earlier article about the Mexican government’s attempt to ban diving at Isla Guadalupe. However, although the stated aim is to protect sharks, even though dive boats are banned commercial fishing would still be allowed. And the remoteness of the island may also give free rein to illegal fishing. In this video, photographer Carlos Gauna explains the threat to the white sharks.
Guadalupe still open but for how long?
According to Mike Lever of Nautilus liveaboards, legally Guadalupe Island is not yet closed “The government is illegally trying to push through a new management plan that will allow commercial fishing to continue but stop all tourist activities. If they are successful, it dooms the shark population to extermination from poaching and illegal fishing. We’re fighting that in court and with every resource that we have. Their process is illegal in that they are required to consult with the consejo (council of stakeholders), hold public hearings and such. They can’t just write a management plan and make it the law.“
Scientists have shown that shark cage diving benefits the sharks
Research has shown that white shark cage diving scores highly positively in a comparison of the costs and benefits to white sharks.
Cage divers at Guadalupe Island have been vital in scientific studies of the sharks. A photo ID study of the sharks relied on videos and photographs taken by the divers. This provided important insights into the demographics and dynamics of white sharks visiting the island. Adult males return annually but most females return biannually, being sighted every other year.
From 2014 to 2019, tourist cave divers monitored the sharks for another study. This found a gradual increase in the overall abundance of white sharks.
About Isla Guadalupe
Isla Guadalupe, is a volcanic island located 241 kilometres off the west coast of Baja California. White sharks arrive in late July and and stay until December, with younger males arriving several weeks before the females.
Main image: Andrea Izzotti/DepositPhotos
References:
Dewer et al, Status Review of the Northeastern Pacific Population of White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) Under the Endangered Species Act
Santana-Morales et al, An exploration of the population characteristics and behaviours of the white shark in Guadalupe Island, Mexico (2014–2019): Observational data from cage diving vessels. November 2021, Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
Lauren Meyer et al (2021) A multidisciplinary framework to assess the sustainability and acceptability of wildlife tourism operations. Conservation Letters https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12788
