The start date, December 8, was set to ensure the arrival of a sufficient number of whales and prevent overexploitation of the activity.
Next Monday marks the start of the official whale watching season off the coasts of Nayarit and Jalisco. These whales arrive each year to breed.
Astrid Frisch Jordán, president of the Whale Ecology and Conservation Association (Ecología y Conservación de Ballenas A.C.), reported that the whales are already arriving. Her research program has observed the arrival of these cetaceans in Banderas Bay, and there are already a good number of whales. The reason for waiting until December 8 is to ensure a sufficient number of whales for whale watching and to prevent overexploitation, given the small population. Therefore, it’s necessary to wait a few more days.
The specialist pointed out the importance of respecting the regulations established by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) for whale and calf watching, so that the whales continue to find optimal conditions for reproduction. To maintain the appropriate distance, small boats such as pangas must stay at least 60 meters away, catamarans authorized by SEMARNAT at least 80 meters, and all other vessels without authorization must remain at least 240 meters away.
Frisch Jordán commented that everything is ready and that it will be a good season, given the number of whales already along the coast and those expected to arrive in the coming days.
Source: meridiano
