Share The LOVE Shark Diving Ban In Guadalupe As a vegan, the animal welfare and protection issue will likely be significant to you. Recently, there has been a lot of conversation surrounding the current shark diving ban in Guadalupe, Mexico. As someone who cares deeply about the welfare of all animals, I wanted to take the time to delve deeper into this issue and explore what it means for both sharks and the broader ecosystem. Why Has Shark Diving Been Banned? Firstly, let us look closer at why shark diving has been banned in Guadalupe. The government enacted the ban due to concerns regarding the impact that shark diving was having on the natural behaviour and habitat of these incredible animals. While shark diving can be an exciting and thrilling experience for humans, it can also be incredibly disruptive for sharks, who may become stressed or agitated by the presence of divers in their natural environment. Impacts On The Ecosystem Alongside the potential impact on the sharks themselves, there are also broader concerns about the effects that shark diving can have on the surrounding environment. Sharks are apex predators and play a vital role in maintaining the precious balance of our oceans. By interfering with their behaviour or disrupting their natural habitat, we risk upsetting this balance and causing potentially catastrophic consequences. Arguments Against The Shark Diving Ban That said, there are a few reasons why some people may be against the shark diving ban in Guadalupe. One of the main arguments is that shark diving is a valuable source of income for local communities and the tourism industry in the area. Shark diving tours bring in a significant amount of revenue, which helps to support local businesses and provide employment opportunities for people in the area. Sharks Habituated Another argument against the ban is that shark diving possibly benefits sharks and the broader ecosystem. Proponents of shark diving argue that by introducing humans into their natural environment, sharks become more accustomed to human presence, which helps to decrease the likelihood of shark attacks on humans in other areas. Shark Diving Promotes Conservation? There is also a belief among some people that shark diving helps to promote conservation efforts and increase awareness about the importance of protecting sharks and the wider ecosystem. In addition, by allowing people to see sharks up close and personal, they may develop a greater appreciation for these animals and become more invested in their protection. A Flawed Argument However, it is necessary to note that there are also several flaws in these arguments. First, while shark diving may provide a source of income for local communities, it is crucial to consider the potential long-term impacts of this activity on the natural world. As discussed earlier, shark diving can significantly impact sharks’ behaviour and natural habitat, which can ultimately have far-reaching consequences for the broader ecosystem. Zero Proof Additionally, while some may argue that shark diving can benefit sharks and the wider ecosystem, little scientific evidence supports these claims. On the contrary, there is proof to suggest that shark diving can negatively impact shark behavior and physiology, which can ultimately harm their health and well-being. Better Ways To Promote Conservation Lastly, while shark diving may raise awareness about the importance of protecting sharks and the broader ecosystem, it is important to consider whether this is the most effective way to achieve this goal. There are many other ways to promote conservation efforts and raise awareness about the importance of protecting sharks and the greater ecosystem without resorting to activities that may do more harm than good. What Does This Suggest For Vegan Divers? So what does this mean for us as vegans? Well, it highlights the importance of being aware of our actions impact on the natural world. As vegans, we strive to minimize our impact on the environment and live sustainably and ethically, meaning being conscious of the products we consume, the way we travel, and the activities we engage in. In the case of shark diving, it is clear that this activity can have a significant impact on the natural world. As such, we must consider the consequences of our actions before engaging in this kind of action. While it can be tempting to seek out intense experiences like shark diving, we must remember that we are not the only inhabitants of this planet. What About The Dive Liveaboards? Dive liveaboards generally made diving in Socorro one part of their season, the remainder in Guadalupe, and have now had to offer different itineraries. There are some outstanding ones. The Pacific Fleet and the Solmar V, one of the operators we work with in Mexico, has a fantastic week-long itinerary in the Sea of Cortez. Below is an example of one of their new cruises, so if snorkeling with whale sharks, diving with Sea lions, and some of the best macro diving is your cup of tea, then consider this : Solmar V Itinerary Day 1 – Learn more about Mexican Culture, Cuisine, and Flora in Ensenada. Day 2 – Start the journey into the Sea of Cortez aboard the Solmar V & embark on a crossing to dive delight. Day 3 – Whale Shark Snorkeling and two dives at Bahia de Los Angeles. Dive site examples: Pescador & El Soldado. Day 4 – First full dive day with four dives at San Pedro Martir. Sea lions, turtles, black corals, and much more. Dive site examples: Pinnacle, South Face & East Side. Day 5 – Second full dive day with five dives, including a spectacular night dive at Salsi Puedes: macro diving and underwater photography. Dive site examples: Las Animas, Las Cuervos & San Lorenzo. Day 6 – Whale Shark Snorkeling at Bahia de Los Angeles & the crossing back to San Felipe. Day 7 – Disembarkation and transportation back to San Diego. To Wrap it Up In conclusion, the current shark diving ban in Guadalupe, Mexico, reminds us of the importance of being aware of our action’s impact on the natural world. As vegans, we strive to live sustainably and ethically, and we must remember that this extends beyond our personal choices to how we engage with the broader world. While it can be tempting to seek out thrilling experiences like shark diving, we must consider the potential impact of these activities on the environment and the animals that call it home. By promoting a more conscious and sustainable approach to travel and leisure activities, we can help to protect the intricate balance of our oceans and to ensure a more ethical and sustainable future for all. Written By: Brett Robertson (Diver and Vegan) PADI Platinum Course Director | Dive educator | Dive resort and liveaboard owner | Vegan advocate for conservation projects and plant-based lifestyles, and a burgeoning serial runner. See author's posts
