Mexiconservación's Blog

The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish on the planet and inhabits tropical and temperate waters between 15C and 30C. It is easily identifiable by its large mouth, flattened head and distinctive white spots on its dark skin. There are historical reports by local fishermen relating to the aggregation occurring in the northeastern side of the Yucatan peninsula. Nowadays, this spot is considered to be one of the most important and predictable aggregations in the world. According to CONANP (National Commission for Natural Protected Areas), 173 individuals were identified in 2004, compared to the 162 in Ningaloo (Australia) and 47 in Belize. This event is fostered by oceanographic currents, triggering an upwelling in the area from late May to early September.

While the Whale Shark is listed as a vulnerable species by IUCN as it is fished (mainly in Asia) in Mexico, it is a major tourist attraction. Their docility, accessibility (gather in shallow coastal areas) and seasonal predictability has boosted its non-extractive exploitation.

Initially, permits were issued only to promote alternative and sustainable development in local communities, in Chiquila and on the Island of Holbox. But in 2005, Cancun and Isla Mujeres were also given access to this profitable activity, increasing the number of boats and hence conflicts in the feeding grounds where Whale Sharks gather. Lately, intermediary companies also demand tour operators to have their own guides and/ or photography crew, putting more pressure on breaking the rules created and agreed by all local tour operators in 2003.

Whale shark conservation is challenged by different factors working at different time and spatial scales. Lois Moriel, a Master student at the stockholm Resilience Center (Sweden) and Mexiconservacion volunteer, is currently working on a project to include all areas involved in the use and management of the whale shark in the Mexican Atlantic.

The aim of her research is to determine how external drivers influence the way in which local stakeholders develop this activity, which will eventually determine its sustainability, both at a social and species level. The distance to the resource, costs and benefits from operation, and relationship with intermediaries will be regarded as external drivers. If you would like to contribute towards Lois’s Research, please consider a donation by clicking here and label it Whale Shark Research.