The meeting of shark diving service providers to have as an approach to solve various problems in relation to the bull sharks in Playa del Carmen and its surroundings. This meeting convened by APSA (Association of Providers of Aquatic Services) was informative; with the purpose of putting all those interested in both the existing problem and the possible solutions.
The meeting discussed the following key points:
1. Stop the illegal fishing of sharks off the coast of Playa del Carmen.
2. Organize the service providers and create working groups for the elaboration of a management program for the SUSTAINABLE USE of the Tiburon Bull.
Jaime Gonzalez, director of the CONAP (National Council of Protected Areas), was in charge of taking the first of these meetings to preserve the bull shark in Playa del Carmen. This November 27, 2012 the first talk touched on the theme of different initiatives that could be carried out for the conservation and sustainable use of the bull shark or better known as Tiburón Chato in Playa del Carmen.
The Bull Shark is seen as a natural resource of common property.
Years ago the use that was given to the bull shark was only fishing, now diving and tourism are variables that can generate greater profits than fishing and conserve the resource.
It also enters into relationship, environmental education and the health of our marine ecosystems.
A conflict has been created between service providers and fishermen since the coexistence of these two activities without clear rules is not possible.
Dr. Gonzalez stressed that regulations are needed on both sides to regulate and regulate both tourism operations and fishing. I also mentioned that the subject of the bull shark is a complex problem with a lot of noise that is made up of different variables
· Fishing.
· Observacon
· Conservation
· Incidents to tourists
1. It is necessary to monitor the correct observance of the responsible fishing laws and the laws of good use of resources. For example; the point that states that you can not fish at a distance less than 10 nautical miles away from the coastal strip.
2. The tourism services sector must define its own laws, regulations, areas of use, comply with the minimum security requirements for the provision of the service in a safe manner, minimizing any risk.
3. It is necessary to define a standardized operation system with established rules (creation of a management plan).
4. It was emphasized that the participation of tourism servers with CONANP and other organizations is needed to achieve a management plan. Support from the authorities is also needed, such as SECTUR (Secretariat of Tourism) SAGARPA (Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food) SEMARNAT (Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources), CONAPESCA (National Fisheries Commission) ).
It is time to stop entering into controversies and stagnate on issues that may be resolved later, as there is a union between the different parties involved and to make decisions as a team. Be part of the change and improvement!
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