Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – On Thursday, March 21, and Friday, March 22, more than 400 operators of humpback whale-watching tourism services attended mandatory refresher courses in preparation for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. The sessions, held in Bahía de Banderas and Puerto Vallarta respectively, aim to ensure sustainable and responsible whale-watching practices as the federal government plans to issue over 200 permits for the region starting December 8.
At the request of the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), the courses were coordinated by volunteers from the Marine Mammal Research Group, AC (GRIMMA), a civil association comprised of professionals specializing in marine mammal study and conservation with over 20 years of experience.
The first session, hosted at Tec de Bahía de Banderas, targeted communities including Sayulita, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nuevo Nayarit, and Jarretaderas. The second session took place at the CECATI auditorium in Puerto Vallarta and was aimed at personnel from Los Muertos, Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlán, Quimixto, Yelapa, and other local service providers. Both sessions saw robust participation, each drawing over 200 attendees.
These courses are mandatory for captains, guides, and boat owners who annually apply for permits from Semarnat to offer whale-watching tours. The training ensures that all operators are up-to-date on regulations and best practices to protect both the whales and their natural habitat.
Presentations were delivered by experts from Semarnat, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), Ecology and Conservation of Whales AC (ECOBAC), and members of GRIMMA. Key topics included:
- Management and Regulation of Non-Extractive Use: Guidelines on how to conduct whale watching without disturbing the animals.
- Inspection, Surveillance, and Sanctions: Understanding the legal framework and consequences of non-compliance.
- Impact of Climate Change on Marine Mammals: Insights into how changing ocean conditions affect whale populations.
- Economic Impact of Responsible Observation: Emphasizing sustainable tourism’s benefits to the local economy.
Rafael Zermeño, head of Natural Resources and Wildlife of the Semarnat Jalisco delegation, attended the Friday session. He highlighted that November 22 marks the 25th anniversary of the publication of the Mexican Official Standard NOM-131, which sets the guidelines for whale-watching activities to ensure the protection and conservation of whales and their natural environment. Compliance with NOM-131 is mandatory for all operators conducting such activities in federal waters.
“So far, there are 208 applications under evaluation, and we expect that number to increase,” Zermeño stated. “Typically, between 80 and 90 percent are authorized, so we anticipate granting over 200 permits in the Bahía de Banderas area.”
Service providers are required to have updated maritime safety certificates and meet other regulatory criteria. The permits, along with official banners, will be distributed on December 8 at Semarnat offices in both Bahía de Banderas and Puerto Vallarta, coinciding with the official start of the season.
The Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) recently published a notice announcing the 2024-2025 whale-watching season to the general public. The document specifies whale-watching areas, restricted zones due to high concentrations of whales with calves, and the season’s duration for each area.
Key Details of the 2024-2025 Season:
- Banderas Bay: December 8, 2024, to March 23, 2025.
- Restricted Areas:
- A 1.5 km radius around the Marietas Islands Archipelago.
- A 2 km wide coastal strip from Punta Mita to the mouth of the Ameca River.
- Restricted Areas:
- Compostela (Rincón de Guayabitos, Peñita de Jaltemba, Chacala): December 8, 2024, to March 23, 2025.
- San Blas-Isla Isabel: December 8, 2024, to March 23, 2025.
These measures aim to protect the whales during critical periods and ensure sustainable tourism practices. Operators and tourists are urged to adhere strictly to the guidelines to contribute to the conservation efforts of these majestic marine mammals.
Other states with whale-watching activities have also published guidelines to protect whale habitats and consider the timing and areas where whales arrive in Mexican waters.
About NOM-131:
The Mexican Official Standard NOM-131 establishes the guidelines and specifications for whale-watching activities. It mandates training and annual updates for all participants in the industry, including boat owners, captains, tourist guides, and operators. The standard ensures that whale watching is conducted responsibly, safeguarding both the whales and their environment.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - On Thursday, March 21, and Friday, March 22, more than 400 operators of humpback whale-watching tourism services attended mandatory refresher courses in preparation for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. The sessions, held in Bahía de Banderas and Puerto Vallarta respectively, aim to ensure sustainable and responsible whale-watching practices as the federal government plans to issue over 200 permits for the region starting December 8.
