fdt - 8-30-2008 at 10:38 AM
http://www.ftnnews.com/content/view/2750/32/lang,english
The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONAMP) announced August 30th as International Whale Shark Day during the International Whale
Shark Conference, carried out in Isla Holbox on July 15-20th.
Representatives from over 40 countries joined together to recognize the positive impact and benefits obtained from the arrival of the species.
Represented by more than 40 countries, CONAMP considers this charismatic species has significant environmental and economic benefits, thus
generating a positive social impact. With the designation of International Whale Shark Day in this global convention, Mexico was recognized as a side
by side nation with India as they share the phenomenon of the sighting of this species.
Mr. Alfredo Arellano, Director of the Yucatan Peninsula and Mexican Caribbean Regions for the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas,
expressed that the designation of a special date will allow to create and reinforce agreements on regulations to protect the species and its habitat,
as it involves service providers who get economic benefits from the ecotourism activity of swimming and observing the whale shark. According to Mr.
Arellano, among the main challenges is the consolidation of the new decree to extend the Yum Balam Protection Area of Flora and Fauna, where the
sightseeing of whale sharks takes place - which intends to include the entire surface where this species spreads.
With this news, Cancun joins the efforts to support all the activities performed in relation to the celebration of this species. For such purpose,
there are plans to communicate its importance and the need of preserving these creatures through conferences and discussions at schools.
Among the activities currently conducted in the involved areas are trainings for tour guides that aim to establish control over the conservation and
setting of the load capacity of vessels authorized to visit, monitor and do research on the species.
woody with a view - 8-30-2008 at 10:42 AM
on our list of things to do. when are the best times to find them in baja?
fdt - 8-30-2008 at 10:50 AM
I believe now thru December?
marv sherrill - 8-30-2008 at 05:24 PM
That is very cool! I'll add that date to the next Baja Calendar - as for whale sharks - they are right here in LA bay - all over the place!!!
A Whale of a Ride.
MrBillM - 8-31-2008 at 11:08 AM
Lots of fun.