SHARK TOURISM SOCIO-ECONOMIC VALUATION

 Shark tourism is presented as an alternative source to fishing in terms of the use of the shark resource. Although more than 500,000 people travel around the world with the intention of having a recreational experience with these animals, there is still no clear data on how much the activity represents in the Los Cabos area.

SCAN THIS QR CODEAND ANSWER THE ANONYMOUS QUESTIONNAIRE TO CONTRIBUTE TO OUR STUDY 

If you have participated in a shark tour in the Los Cabos area, your response to this anonymous questionnaire will help us collect important data on the economic revenue generated by this activity. This information can provide a strong argument for protecting pelagic sharks by helping decision-makers understand the importance of these species to tourism and local income.

HELP US ESTIMATE THE VALUE OF ALIVE SHARKS

Project overview

Pelagic shark species do not have national protection (except the 3 species of NOM-059), making their management the responsibility of fishing authorities.  There is a growing need to protect those flagship species, such as the shortfin mako, that act as tourist attractions in Mexico and to have economic arguments to propose measures to protect the species.

Project goals

  • Estimate the economic impact derived from shark tourism activity in Cabo San Lucas.

  • Obtain quantitative data that helps establish the economic value of this not yet regulated activity.

Project results

Baja Shark Lab, in partnership with shark tour operators, is sending this survey in order to get an estimation of the economic value of shark tourism in Los Cabos to enhance shark conservation. All surveys are ANONYMOUS and for statistical purposes only.  

Our initial findings suggest:

  • Seeing SHARKS A SIGNIFICANT MOTIVATION for visitors traveling to Cabo San Lucas.

  • For a great part of participants, the PRIMARY SPECIES OF INTERESTwas the SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK

  • SHARK ATTRACTION methods, such as chumming or baiting, are not perceived as having a negative impact.

  • All participants believe that shark tourism can serve as a tool for shark conservation.

Nationality

Importance of seeing sharks for visiting Cabo San Lucas

Main species motivation for going on a shark tour

Perception of shark chumming/baiting as a negative impact

Believe that shark tourism can be shark conservation tool

  • Most of the participants who answered the survey were female, and the majority were from the USA

Gender