Update: Why closing Guadalupe Island puts sharks at risk – but it’s not too late to stop it in 2023

Isla Guadalupe, is a volcanic island located 241 kilometres off the west coast of Baja California. It is in the Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve, which the Mexican government created in 2005 to protect marine and other life.

Divers go to Guadalupe to see great white sharks, but this year the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas closed the reserve to shark cage diving and other recreational activities from May until the end of December.

During the closed period, officials will collect data to use to ensure the adoption of best practices for sustainability. The white sharks tend to arrive at Guadalupe in August and stay until February, with high season for divers being between August and October.

Divers who have booked liveaboards to Guadalupe during this time are being offered credit notes for future trips or a choice of different destinations. Some boats, but not all, are offering full refunds.

Further reading

Suspension of tourist-recreational activities in the Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve. Gobierno de Mexico.

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