01 Introduction
We are consolidating a national portfolio of ongoing and potential shark-based tourism opportunities with their respective business plans, for discussion with local stakeholders on the use and conservation of sharks and mantas.
What is the perception of the communities to change (e.g., fishing to ecotourism)?
Insights into local views on livelihood transformation
What is the potential of sharks as an ecotourism resource to produce economic value in interest?
Exploring sustainable pathways from fishing to ecotourism
02 Community Transition to Ecotourism
A community-based enterprise based on sharks and other marine megafauna with a system of categories that describes the spectrum of the different stages of perception and willing to change by the communities from fishing to ecotourism. The fishing to ecotourism model is based on the success story of Cabo Pulmo, where local fishermen transitioned voluntarily from artisanal fishing to tour operators without much guidance and assistance to create their own businesses, hence it took them many years to gain significant income.
Carrying out discovery and research visits to several of the fishing communities to gather media, connect with the fishing sites, and to evaluate the ‘swim way’ for ecotourism’
Developing a detailed business plan for specific opportunities using the expressed interests of local communities for operating business based on shark conservation
Facilitating the transition with the help of our so-called “fishermen ambassadors” by having fisherman to fisherman meetings where the ex-fishermen of Cabo Pulmo explain their experiences as ecotour operators to the fishermen that want to transition to this new activity.
03 Deliverables
Practical Tools and Knowledge for Local Impact
04 Key focus areas
Key focus areas driving our conservation mission.
Fishing communities
Supporting coastal fishing communities with resources, knowledge, and sustainable practices to ensure both livelihoods and marine ecosystems thrive together.
Proposed Marine Protected Area
Advancing the creation of a Marine Protected Area to safeguard critical shark and ray habitats and promote long-term ocean biodiversity conservation.
Take Action Today
Donate
Our work is only possible with your support! Your donation will contribute to our shark research and conservation programs in Mexico
Adopt
Through the adopt a shark program, anyone can symbolically sponsor a shark for themselves, a loved one or together as a company, school group or university
Donors
Recognizing the generous organizations whose continued support drives our shark conservation, research, and education initiatives forward