During the 2023-2024 whale watching season, the Regional Network for Whale Entanglement Response (RABEN) teams successfully freed 11 entangled whales, as reported by Astrid Frisch Jordán, the national coordinator of the Whale Assistance Network groups. These teams tirelessly worked to ensure the safety of these magnificent creatures, yet their mission remains ongoing even as the season officially concluded on March 23rd.
The season presented unprecedented challenges, with a notable increase in whale mortality within Banderas Bay. Consequently, three necropsies were conducted to understand the underlying causes behind this troubling trend. Results from these examinations will be made public in due course, shedding light on the efforts undertaken to address entanglements and strandings throughout the season.
Astrid Frisch, who also leads the civil association Ecology and Conservation of Whales (ECOBAC), emphasized the importance of ongoing research and monitoring efforts. “We encountered familiar whales during our surveys,” he remarked, underlining the significance of continued vigilance in protecting these marine giants. To mitigate the risk of collisions between vessels and whales, the “Less Speed = More Lives” campaign was reinforced throughout the season.
As a poignant conclusion to the season, a grand unveiling event was held for “La Bonita,” the newly minted mascot designed to raise awareness about marine conservation. The event took place at La Cruz Market, a popular Sunday gathering spot at the Marina Riviera Nayarit. La Bonita, a 13-meter-long inflatable whale, serves as a symbolic reminder of the enduring presence of these creatures in Banderas Bay.
“In honoring the legacy of a female whale (3BB092) who has frequented Banderas Bay since 2002, and birthed at least 5 offspring,” Frisch noted, “we commemorate her resilience and the intergenerational connection she represents.”
Collisions between boats and whales pose grave risks to both humans and marine life. In response, additional measures were implemented, including the dissemination of educational materials and advertisements along key transportation routes.
“Cindy, our ambassador for the ‘Less Speed = More Lives’ campaign and ‘Swim for Whales,’ returned this season with a new calf,” Frisch revealed. “Her story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the resilience of these creatures in the face of adversity.”
The commitment to safeguarding the marine environment and its inhabitants remains steadfast, echoed by the tireless efforts of organizations such as RABEN and ECOBAC. As the whale watching season draws to a close, the collective resolve to protect these majestic creatures remains stronger than ever.
During the 2023-2024 whale watching season, the Regional Network for Whale Entanglement Response (RABEN) teams successfully freed 11 entangled whales, as reported by Astrid Frisch Jordán, the national coordinator of the Whale Assistance Network groups. These teams tirelessly worked to ensure the safety of these magnificent creatures, yet their mission remains ongoing even as the season officially concluded on March 23rd.
