The Issue:

Whale shark tourism in Bahía de La Paz has grown rapidly, but management lacks the detailed scientific data needed to understand where whale sharks spend their time and how they move through the area. Without this information, tourism activities can become overcrowded, guidelines are difficult to enforce, and whale sharks face increasing disturbance that can alter their natural behavior and degrade critical habitat. The project addresses this root cause by using acoustic telemetry to identify key habitats and movement patterns, generating the data needed to guide science-based tourism management. The resulting habitat maps and stakeholder engagement will support improved zoning, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and help sustain both whale shark conservation and the local tourism economy.

What are Measurable Outcomes Expected from the Funding of this Project?

• 25 whale sharks tagged and 4 acoustic receivers deployed to monitor movements.

• Produce and share one high-resolution whale shark habitat use map with local stakeholders.

• Conduct 2 stakeholder workshops engaging 50+ local tour operators, guides, captains, and managers to support science-based tourism management.

 What Would a Successful Project Result In?

Science-based management measures are adopted to better protect whale sharks by identifying critical habitat, reducing tourism impacts, and ensuring a healthy, sustainable whale shark tourism industry that supports local livelihoods for years to come.