Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – Marine biologists, conservationists, and academic experts are sounding the alarm over the Jalisco state government and Puerto Vallarta municipality’s push to develop a “nautical ladder” in Banderas Bay. The proposed infrastructure—intended to enhance maritime access and connectivity—is facing mounting criticism due to the significant risk it poses to marine wildlife and human safety.
At the center of this growing concern is Astrid Frisch Jordán, a renowned marine biologist from Whale Ecology and Conservation A.C. (Ecobac), who has worked extensively in Banderas Bay studying whale behavior and migration patterns.
Speaking at a recent forum alongside other specialists, Frisch Jordán expressed grave concerns about the ecological and human safety consequences of dramatically increasing maritime traffic in the bay.
“A nautical ladder in the bay represents a drastic increase in the number of collisions between vessels and whales, which severely affects whales—especially calves, which are a very vulnerable group—but also people,” she said.
Increasing Death Toll Among Whales
Statistics shared by Frisch Jordán paint a worrying picture. While an average of 1.5 whale fatalities per year was once the norm in Banderas Bay, that number has nearly doubled. “Now we’re up to almost three whales killed each year on average,” she stated.
So far this season, four whales have been confirmed dead in the bay. Among them was a calf and a juvenile whale with a severe propeller injury. “We don’t think either of these two animals will survive,” Frisch Jordán added.
The increased risk isn’t limited to marine animals. She pointed out that at least one person has died this season in Los Cabos, Baja California, and several others were hospitalized after their boats collided with whales. “So it’s also a matter of human safety,” she emphasized.
What Is the Nautical Ladder Project?
The nautical ladder is part of a broader government initiative aimed at enhancing maritime mobility and tourism infrastructure along the Pacific coast. It proposes building new piers and marine terminals in key coastal zones—among them, Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations.
Supporters argue it will increase economic activity and provide safer access for recreational boats and water taxis. However, experts caution that the project may bring more harm than good if not carefully assessed and regulated.
According to Frisch Jordán, one of the biggest oversights is the lack of a Manifestación de Impacto Ambiental (Environmental Impact Assessment or EIA). “As far as we know, this project doesn’t have an EIA,” she said. “That is a fundamental requirement.”
She stressed that the environmental review must go beyond just the coastal construction impacts. “It must also include the influence zone—the increased nautical traffic and its impact on protected species,” she said, referring to Mexico’s Official Standard NOM-059, which lists species under special protection.
“Not Viable” from a Conservation Perspective
Frisch Jordán, supported by other conservationists and academics with decades of experience in Banderas Bay, firmly declared the project “not viable” under its current framework.
“For it to work in terms of conservation, vessels would have to navigate at low speeds—between 10 and 15 knots—to avoid collisions,” she explained. “That’s very slow. For people to get from point A to point B quickly, it won’t work. It’s not viable.”
She added that proposed navigation routes go directly through coastal areas—zones that are biologically critical for sea turtles, manta rays, and whales. “Where is the navigation going to happen? In the coastal zone,” she said. “So the other proposal would be, you have to navigate far from the coastal zone. That costs a lot more money and time, so again—it’s not viable.”
Existing Infrastructure Already in Disrepair
Frisch Jordán also questioned the logic of building new infrastructure when existing piers remain neglected. “They want to build a pier in Las Peñas, which is just a few kilometers from the Los Muertos pier. Why don’t we finish properly installing that pier, which is falling apart?”
She urged the government to focus on improving what already exists and to prioritize establishing clear maritime regulations before expanding marine infrastructure.
Call for a Maritime Planning Framework
In addition to an Environmental Impact Assessment, the experts advocate for the development of a comprehensive Maritime Planning Plan (Ordenamiento Marítimo), which would guide sustainable development and mitigate risks before new infrastructure is implemented.
“It’s necessary to establish regulations before the problem grows even further,” Frisch Jordán insisted. She appealed directly to Jalisco Governor Pablo Navarro to take the concerns seriously. “We hope that now that he knows what’s happening, he decides to take another path.”
Conservation vs. Development: A Crossroads for Puerto Vallarta
This latest conflict highlights the increasingly tense balance between conservation efforts and development in tourist hotspots like Puerto Vallarta. While the city benefits enormously from whale-watching and ecotourism, experts warn that short-term infrastructure goals could compromise the very ecosystems that attract visitors.
Whales, manta rays, and sea turtles are iconic to Banderas Bay—and their presence contributes significantly to the local economy. However, the success of this marine tourism depends on protecting these animals from harm.
Marine biologists say the solutions are clear: enforce lower speed limits for vessels, restrict navigation in sensitive coastal areas, and ensure all new projects undergo full environmental scrutiny.
Until then, they argue, the so-called “nautical ladder” remains a step in the wrong direction.
