This year Puerto Vallarta has issued 70 licenses to boat operators to conduct Humpback Whale watching tours in the Bay of Banderas, this number is expected to increase during the month of December.
Sergio Hernandez Gonzales, the federal delegate from SEMARNET, the country’s wildlife protection agency, has stated that a joint effort between SEMARNET, the Mexican Navy, and PROFEPA will increase surveillance of operations in the area this year to make sure laws are enforced.
‘Boats and tours must take greater awareness, above all they must all cooperate together, no matter if we are talking about 10, 20, or 30 boats in the area, they understand that the law prohibits them from approaching the marine life closer than 60 meters,’ said Gonzales.
Sanctions for tour companies who break the rules of their permit have increased this year in an effort to keep the whales safe off the coast of Puerto Vallarta.
‘Boaters know they must look after the whales as they arrive to the coast of Jalisco and Nayarit,’ he added.
