Compliance to whale watching regulation_sightings and interviews

Whale watching tourism is a non-consumptive activity that can have negative effects on species and their habitats. Given the considerable growth of this activity, it is necessary to evaluate how it is practiced. This study aimed to determine the level of compliance with Mexican whale watching regulations in Banderas Bay, Mexico, and the differences related to whale grouping types, seasons, companies and vessels. Systematic observations conducted aboard tourist vessels found that tour operators do not comply with the regulations in 88% of sightings and that groups with calves were subject to the greatest tourism pressure. The causes of this non-compliance may derive from the lack of appropriate training, of commitment by operators, and supervision by the responsible authorities. The data obtained will be useful for the management of whale watching and improving the enforcement of the regulations by the competent authorities.观鲸旅游是一类非消耗性活动，却可能对物种及其栖息地造成负面影响。鉴于该活动规模显著增长，对其运营现状开展评估实属必要。本研究旨在针对墨西哥班德拉斯湾（Banderas Bay）的观鲸活动，探究其对墨西哥观鲸相关法规的合规水平，并分析不同鲸群类型、观测季节、运营企业及作业船只间的合规差异。研究团队通过搭乘旅游作业船只开展系统观测，发现88%的观鲸目击场次中，旅游运营商均未遵守相关法规；且带有幼崽的鲸群承受了最为显著的旅游活动压力。本次违规行为的成因可能包括：运营方缺乏针对性培训、责任意识淡薄，以及主管部门监管缺位。本研究获取的数据可为观鲸旅游的规范化管理提供支撑，并助力主管当局强化相关法规的执法执行效能。