Level of knowledge about the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) as a basis for its conservation and environmental management in the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve. Year 2024.

It was presumed that the local population, adjacent to the coast of Quintana Roo (Mexico), was not aware of the ecological importance of the species Carcharhinus leucas (bull shark) and its vulnerability due to increased urbanization in the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve. The current research aimed to determine, in different human communities, the level of knowledge about the state of Carcharhinus leucas in the coastal region adjacent to the Reserve. The study presented a non-experimental, cross sectional, qualitative exploratory field design. Four questionnaires were utilized, one for each convenience community group sample, finding high (managers: 13), medium (tourism agents: 5.8) and low (fishermen: 3) (common citizens: 1.85) levels of knowledge. It was revealed that there are initiatives for improved monitoring of the marine protected area, but there are very few studies on the effectiveness of environmental education campaigns. There is an urgent need to sensitize the communities to improve their knowledge, and sense of commitment to the environmental management of the ecosystem through continuous critical training to protect marine biodiversity.